# Workforce inclusion in neuroscience through undergraduate research experience

> **NIH NIH R25** · ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS · 2020 · $253,809

## Abstract

The scientific progress in neuroscience depends on attracting diverse individuals, particularly
from groups under-represented in STEM fields, to maximize innovation and knowledge. Arizona
State University (ASU) is one of the largest undergraduate institutions in the country, and one of
the most progressive in terms of supporting inclusion as our charter states that we measure our
success not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how they succeed. We have a
large number of minority and financially-disadvantaged, first-generation students with interest in
neuroscience. We also have a diverse and talented neuroscience faculty, which is currently
growing due to a new undergraduate secondary major in neuroscience and the recent
establishment of the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center. Our objective is to nurture
the career development of under-represented ASU undergraduates with interest in
neuroscience so that they successfully transition to graduate programs and ultimately increase
diversity in the neuroscience workforce. Toward this objective, we propose to establish the
Workforce Inclusion in Neuroscience through Undergraduate Research Experience (WINURE)
Program. We will recruit 10 students, either freshman (to begin the program as rising
sophomores) or community college transfers, from racial minorities and/or disadvantaged
backgrounds who have interest in pursuing a neuroscience career. The program will provide up
to three years of mentored research experience and skill-building activities. Participants will be
required to devise an individual development plan (IDP) under the advisement of a research
mentor and to report annually on their progress toward meeting the short-term goals of their
IDP. In pursuit of these goals, we will provide skill-building through community outreach and
career development seminars and workshops, including responsible conduct in research (RCR)
as well as applying and succeeding in graduate school. Additionally, we will provide travel to two
conferences, one targeting under-represented groups in biomedical science. We will also hold a
workshop for mentors to refresh their training in RCR, build their mentorship skills, and teach
them how to construct an IDP with their student. The program goal is for at least 60% of the
participants to enter a graduate program in, or related to, neuroscience. We will evaluate the
program annually and disseminate information related to best practices through our website and
publications. Ultimately, this program will serve to increase diversity in the neuroscience
workforce by providing training and support for under-represented and disadvantaged students
in the field.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9966052
- **Project number:** 5R25NS107188-03
- **Recipient organization:** ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS
- **Principal Investigator:** Janet L. Neisewander
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $253,809
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9966052

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9966052, Workforce inclusion in neuroscience through undergraduate research experience (5R25NS107188-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9966052. Licensed CC0.

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