U-RISE at Brooklyn College

Project Summary Brooklyn College’s U-RISE proposal aims to increase the diversity of our science workforce by providing individuals from groups historically under-represented in STEM with the preparation, confidence and self- efficacy to pursue graduate studies and succeed in obtaining doctoral degrees and launching a STEM career. About half of Brooklyn College’s students are eligible for U-RISE based on race/ethnicity or low-income criteria. We strive for (1) 98% of U-RISE trainees to obtain baccalaureate degrees (adjusted from 100% because of the deep impact of the pandemic in New York City); (2) 60% of U-RISE graduates to matriculate into doctoral programs. Out of these, our objective is that at least 90% will complete their doctoral degrees. Overall, we aim for over 50% of our U-RISE trainees to eventually attain doctoral degrees. We have recruited 29 faculty members, including eight from under-represented groups themselves, to serve as U-RISE mentors. Participating mentors are profoundly committed to undergraduate research. Students will be recruited into the program in their sophomore or junior years. Approximately 80 trainees will be served over the five-year tenure of this program. Meaningful faculty-mentored research experiences are at the core of our program. Trainees will participate in research both at Brooklyn College during the academic year and at R1 institutions during the summer. Moreover, trainees will be advised and mentored by program staff as well as faculty. Further, they will receive instruction in research design, statistics, responsible conduct of research, rigor and reproducibility, scientific communication, study skills, and mentee responsibilities among other topics. We will also include activities to promote holistic student wellbeing (mental health and social support, family involvement) as well as activities for professional development. This U-RISE program will synergize with other undergraduate research programs in STEM on campus via the Center for Achievement in Science Education. The Brooklyn College U-RISE program will improve upon a tradition of excellence and a wide-array of activities set by a long-standing MARC program by: (1) recruiting students at earlier stages of training, (2) training faculty in mentorship practices and (3) supporting important skills such as biomedical computing and scientific communication, among others.