UKNeu-PREP: University of Kentucky Neuroscience Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program

Nationally, there is a critical need for a pipeline of promising young scientists interested in earning life science doctorate degrees. While the foundation for the development of biomedical Ph.D. and MD/Ph.D. graduates primarily focuses on the recruitment of younger students, gaps in the Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. pipeline still underscore the need for enhanced pools of potential post-baccalaureate students to pursue exceptional doctoral training. Nationally, the step between undergraduate and graduate school is often a barrier in the biomedical doctoral degree pipeline. This barrier is exacerbated by limited access to substantive biomedical research opportunities to prepare for graduate school. To address this critical need in our region and beyond, the University of Kentucky (UK) Neuroscience - Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (UKNeu- PREP) is uniquely positioned to provide access to an extensive biomedical research experience in neuroscience, while preparing program Participants through educational and professional development opportunities to acquire the knowledge, research experience, communication skills, and confidence to successfully navigate the admissions process into a strong, neuroscience graduate program. UKNeu-PREP will leverage existing state, regional, and national networks to recruit Participants to become integrated into campus student supports, active research programs, and pipeline programs. Existing pipeline programs include our associated T32 training program “Neurobiology of CNS Injury” and the All Access Research Training Scholars (AARTS) summer program through the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center. Collectively, UKNeu-PREP will train Participants to be lifelong career scientists while creating opportunities for those who have completed bachelor’s degrees at institutions with limited research infrastructure. UKNeu-PREP will contribute to innovation and excellence in research environments and strengthen the entire research training enterprise.