IMSD at Dartmouth College

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The proposed Dartmouth IMSD program, Dartmouth Leaders in Biomedical Research (DLBR), has the mission of recruiting a diverse and motivated cohort of scholars to Dartmouth’s biomedical PhD programs to train the next generation of inclusive leaders in biomedical research. Through a competitive process, DLBR will select four new funded trainees a year, with a possibility of funding renewal for a 2nd year. Once trainees conclude their DLBR funding period, they continue DLBR participation for the remainder of their graduate training. The program will be led by three outstanding program directors, all women of color, who have a strong research background and a demonstrated commitment to academic leadership, research, education, and mentorship. They have assembled an enthusiastic training faculty of 35 mentors who are committed to diversity and inclusivity and will provide extensive opportunities for cutting-edge interdisciplinary training in basic, translational, and clinical biomedical research. The DLBR program is centered around the following aims: 1. Provide enhanced academic and research training, access to support resources, and social and professional connections for incoming students from historically underrepresented groups to support their successful transition to graduate school. 2. Provide ongoing enhanced support of DLBR trainees to foster their growth as effective and independent scientists while cultivating self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and overall well-being. 3. Provide enhanced professional and leadership skill development to prepare DLBR trainees for successful leadership roles in the biomedical research workforce. The 1st aim will be accomplished during the pre- matriculation summer when DLBR trainees will engage in academic programs, a summer research rotation, orientation activities, and cohort building activities. Training goals two and three will be supported through subsequent programming and team-mentoring for the remainder of graduate training. Through courses and highly interactive workshops, trainees will practice skills in rigorous and ethical scientific inquiry, effective written and oral scientific communication, practical well-being practices, and leadership. Trainees will also network with individuals from diverse biomedical research career paths through seminars and facilitated networking. All DLBR programming will be reinforced by robust multi-tiered mentoring and intentional cohort building. To supplement their foundational expertise, all DLBR mentors will receive extensive training in effective and culturally responsive mentorship to ensure supportive and productive mentor-mentee relationships. In addition, ongoing cohort activities will foster a strong sense of community, sense of belonging, and social support network as trainees progress through their doctoral training. Measurable program objectives will be improved matriculation of underrepresented PhD trainees, research productivity, PhD completion and time to degree, number of graduates who enter and continue in biomedical research careers. DLBR will complement and expand Dartmouth’s current initiatives to support a more diverse and inclusive community.