Cultivating Pathways to Research in Biomedical Engineering

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.