MARC at the University of California, Davis

The mission of the UC Davis MARC program is to increase the diversity of students who complete their baccalaureate degree and subsequently pursue a PhD, MD/PhD, or DVM/PhD in a biomedical research-focused STEM field. To achieve our overarching goal, we have expanded and improved upon our current MARC award and have developed a comprehensive research-focused training program to encourage students from groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences to pursue research careers. Our MARC program will develop trainee science identity and science community values, and will enhance the interests, knowledge, and foundational skills required for successful matriculation into biomedical PhD programs. We propose to appoint 14 students annually to participate in a two-to-three-year MARC training program, which will include at least two summers of full-time research and two academic years of part-time research, complemented by professional development activities, advising, and community and mentoring activities to enhance the social and scientific identity of participants. We will deeply engage students in research with quality faculty mentors and will develop in trainees a broad set of research-related skills through extensive discussions of biomedical research topics, including research integrity and reproducibility, as well as experimental design. The program will provide trainees with guidance and experiences in delivering scientific presentations and developing proposals, and offer career information and support in the graduate school application process. Additionally, program activities will promote student retention and academic excellence through activities designed to foster social and academic integration within a supportive peer group environment. The following specific objectives support our overall goal. MARC students will: (1) Learn the importance of conducting biomedical research responsibly, ethically, and with integrity; (2) Increase their scientific expertise with respect to understanding scientific reasoning, rigorous experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation; (3) Develop science communication skills by presenting their research locally and nationally at conferences such as ABRCMS (Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists), SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science), and/or discipline-specific meetings; (4) Develop a science identity and sense of belonging within the scientific community; (5) Develop a professional network that includes supportive mentors at a variety of career stages; (6) Have the opportunity to engage in outreach activities to diverse first- and second year EEOP students; (7) Learn about the features of a competitive graduate school application; (8) Maintain/enhance their commitment to careers in biomedical research; (9) Graduate at a percentage of 90% with a GPA that is competitive for entrance into a PhD program; (10) Enter PhD or MD/PhD or DVM/PhD programs in biomedical related disciplines within 3 years of graduation at a rate of at least 70%.