# Cultivating Pathways to Research in Biomedical Engineering

> **NIH EB R25** · UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · 2026 · $341,585

## Abstract

Project Summary
The overall vision of this training program is to cultivate research talent in biomedical engineering by broadening
institutional support and fostering a culture of inclusion and quality mentorship for undergraduate researchers,
particularly those from groups historically marginalized in engineering and biomedical research. The training
program will involve 23 faculty members from biomedical engineering and related disciplines in mentoring a total
of 31 postsecondary trainees, comprising four cohorts of seven participants each, along with a pilot cohort of
three participants, at the University of Arizona. The specific aims of this project are (1) To recruit a diverse group
of high school students from across the State of Arizona and expose them to both research and skill-based
training in biosciences and engineering, (2) Develop research self-efficacy and sense of inclusion among
trainees by integrating professional development activities with an emphasis on communication skills, domain-
specific research skills, and computing skills into the first two years of the undergraduate engineering program,
and (3) Provide sustained, long-term, mentored research experience every summer and prepare trainees for
graduate studies in biomedical engineering or related fields. The project will provide mentors with specialized
training around effective mentoring practices, while offering trainees targeted professional development to
enhance their research-related skills and knowledge. Trainees will also have access to a vibrant research
environment, rich expertise in a diverse array of biomedical engineering domains, and multiple pathways for
research career preparation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11373163
- **Project number:** 5R25EB036422-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer Kehlet Barton; Mario Ignacio Romero-Ortega; Vignesh  Subbian
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** EB
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $341,585
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2025-01-01T00:00:00 → 2028-12-31T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11373163

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11373163, Cultivating Pathways to Research in Biomedical Engineering (5R25EB036422-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11373163. Licensed CC0.

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