The BCM Short-Term Research Education Program (BCM STREP)

The goal of the Baylor College of Medicine Short-Term Research Education Program to Enhance Health-Related Research (BCM STREP) is to mentor undergraduate students in science and medicine through research-intensive biomedical training focused on the mission areas of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The BCM Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences proudly supports all the achievements of BCM STREP alumni since the program's initial NHLBI funding by a T35 (PI, Dr. Gayle Slaughter) in 1995, and later in 2011 by this R25 (PD, Gayle Slaughter, and Co-I, Aladin Boriek), and currently led by Drs. Boriek, Antonie Rice, and Fred Pereira. These NHLBI-funded programs have trained 199 undergraduates, with 86% of alumni remaining involved in academia or careers aligned with the NHLBI's mission. They contribute to the US biomedical workforce, aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the health of the U.S. population. The BCM STREP R25 grant renewal plans to recruit, mentor, and train 60 undergraduates (12 annually), selected from a nationwide pool of over 500 applicants each year, who will participate in a 9-week program at the BCM Summer Undergraduate Research Training (SMART), engaging in NHLBI mission-focused research. The curriculum encompasses mentored, original research aligned with NHLBI goals, participation in daily research seminars led by distinguished faculty, development of scientific writing and presentation skills, evaluation of scientific and medical literature, cultivation of critical thinking and assessment, responsible conduct of research training, and principles of scientific rigor and reproducibility. Trainees will expand their knowledge and generate questions in foundational science, as well as clinical and translational research within NHLBI mission areas. Additional activities include mentorship and training in communication skills, fostering confidence and independence, exploring Ph.D., MD, MD/Ph.D., and health professional programs, attending BCM School Night to interact with leaders and students from medical, health professions, and graduate schools, engaging in discussions with physicians and scientists, and volunteering at Baylor-affiliated hospitals. Students will receive personalized career counseling and learn to serve as role models for colleagues, helping to educate the broader community about NHLBI biomedical research and healthcare advancements. The impact of BCM STREP activities on enhancing undergraduate trainees’ knowledge, skills, innovative research, and alumni outcomes will be evaluated through both formative and summative surveys.