Initiative for Maximizing Student Development at University at Buffalo

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. Abstract The University at Buffalo (UB) continues to work towards increasing the number of PhD students from underserved groups in biomedical and behavioral sciences. The IMSD at UB plays an essential role in attracting and supporting students through collaborative learning and integrated mentoring. Since 2012, a total of 39 students from various backgrounds enrolled and participated in IMSD professional development activities. To date, 11 graduated and 21 are in training, with a mean time to graduation of 5.3 years (median: 4.8 years). The graduation rate moved from 73% during the initial funding period to an estimated 94% in the current funding period. The IMSD at UB is building upon this success, together with faculty from 18 departments spanning seven UB Schools and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, to continue the transformation of UB into a leading institution for training a talented workforce. Specific aims are: 1) Attract five PhD students from underserved groups in biomedical and behavioral sciences at UB per year increasing enrollment by a total of 25 during the 5-year funding period, by using targeted recruiting and holistic review. 2) Provide mentoring, professional development and grant writing training to achieve academic success, secure funding and ensure successful completion of PhD degrees. The program will guide students through their PhD training using Individualized Development Plans to tailor research activities, professional development, mentoring and faculty support. 3) Facilitate access to careers in science and leadership positions to foster successful transition into competitive postdoctoral positions and jobs in academia, industry, government, or other organizations. To foster growth of professional networks, the program developed the Career Pathways Seminar to allow IMSD students to meet and establish relationships with leaders in these institutions where they will potentially complete a research internship to explore future career paths. 4) Create a safe and inclusive research learning environment adaptive to students’ academic and professional needs. This aim will focus on increasing faculty recruitment and retention efforts, throughout established partnerships with the UB Provost Office, School’s leaders, and senior administrators. The program will expand activities dedicated to holistic review of applications by graduate program directors, admissions committees, administrators, and faculty search committees, and to develop committee members interview skills to recruit and retain a student-focused, talented faculty population at UB. The success of the IMSD at UB will be realized by a) increasing the applicant pools for graduate students and faculty, b) students’ scientific productivity and entry into the workforce, c) improved student and faculty mentoring and support, and d) building a stronger learning environment at UB.