# INITIATIVE FOR MAXIMIZING STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AT UMASS BOSTON

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON · 2020 · $297,107

## Abstract

Project Summary
The Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) is
a multifaceted program that seeks to increase diversity in the biomedical research workforce at the PhD level.
The program has two overall goals. The first is to provide a comprehensive research training program to
undergraduate students from underrepresented minority or disadvantaged backgrounds so they are
exceptionally prepared and highly motivated to enter PhD programs in the biomedical sciences. The second,
broader goal is to catalyze institutional changes that enhance the overall research training environment in the
sciences for undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.
The IMSD program provides its participants with research experiences, intensive mentoring, a comprehensive
and structured suite of enrichment activities, and support in the application process for PhD programs, all to
promote their successful entry into these programs. The centerpiece of the IMSD student experience is
laboratory research—each participant carries out a closely guided research project, which supports the
development of research independence, in the laboratory of a research advisor. Mentoring includes academic
advising as well as support for the students' overall professional and personal development as emerging
researchers. Enrichment opportunities, which also engage the broader community of science majors at the
University, include extensive training in scientific communication, opportunities to network with scientists and
graduate students outside UMB, exposure to research career opportunities, training in the responsible conduct
of research, and discussions about social aspects of science. To catalyze institutional change, IMSD offers
activities that are aimed at reaching the maximum number of undergraduate students, as well as mentor
training opportunities for science faculty and graduate students. IMSD also interfaces with a wide network of
training programs at the University and is taking a leadership role in developing, evaluating, and modeling
effective research training strategies that can be applied broadly in the University. It also nurtures
collaborations with institutional partners outside UMB. In efforts to sustain enhancements to the research
training environment and capacity, IMSD has successfully institutionalized many of its programmatic
components and is committed to institutionalizing additional aspects that prove to be effective in helping UMB
students achieve academic excellence in the sciences and transition to graduate study. These efforts can have
broad impact given the highly diverse student population at UMB and the very significant proportion of its
students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9882269
- **Project number:** 5R25GM076321-12
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** ADAN COLON-CARMONA
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $297,107
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2008-03-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9882269

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9882269, INITIATIVE FOR MAXIMIZING STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AT UMASS BOSTON (5R25GM076321-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9882269. Licensed CC0.

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