UMB IMSD

PROJECT SUMMARY To address the lack of diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce, the UMB IMSD program aims to increase the participation of underrepresented minorities (URs) in biomedical PhD programs, increase their retention rates, and provide career development to prepare these students for a future career in STEM. UR participation and retention in graduate school is hampered by multiple factors. Institutional environment, the lack of a large cohort, and encountering racial microaggressions are all contributing factors to UR attrition in PhD programs. Further, a lack of strong mentoring connections is also a mitigating factor. To address these issues, the UMB IMSD will provide programming to increase retention and better prepare these students for their future careers. The program will provide workshops on scientific writing and provide opportunities for students to hone their presentation skills. Workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and dealing with microaggressions will also be provided. To strengthen student-mentor relationships, faculty will be provided workshops to educate them on the unique challenges that UR students face and open discussions between faculty and students will be carried out. Trainees will be educated on the various career tracks in the STEM field via a Diversity Seminar series. The IMSD plans to recruit 10 students per year and trainees will be appointed for one year, their first year of graduate school. This program will help students transition to successful careers in the STEM workforce.