Wyoming IDeA Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence Phase 4

Following on previous INBREs, the long-term goal to establish a statewide network for biomedical research and excellence will be continued. The Specific Aims for this application are to: 1) build on the established multi- disciplinary research network that will strengthen biomedical research expertise, education, and infrastructure at the University of Wyoming (UW) and its partner CCs; 2) provide a Student Research Program (SRP) for Wyoming undergraduate students that will increase interest and enrollment in academic programs and opportunities to continue in biomedical and health science education and research careers within IDeA states; 3) build and increase the research base and capacity of UW and its partner institutions by providing research support to faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students; and 4) Expand Wyoming research opportunities across other IDeA programs and the IDeA Western Region. Consistent with the goal to build on past achievements and existing strengths efforts will continue to focus on acquiring a critical mass of biomedical research faculty to develop sustainable and competitive research programs as well as ways to provide opportunities for undergraduates at UW and all seven of the state’s community colleges to participate in hands-on biomedical research. Three cores will be continued: Administrative and Bioinformatics, and the Developmental Research Project Program. The INBRE program is aligned with the Wyoming Science and Tier One Engineering Initiatives, two state government supported efforts to enhance Wyoming STEM infrastructure including research infrastructure, faculty hires, and student programs. The Wyoming INBRE Network will be sustained and enhanced by continuing to build partnerships between faculty at UW and community colleges. The approaches for creating collaborations between research scientists at UW and faculty at community colleges are essential for increasing opportunities for faculty and students and enhancing the quality and visibility of the research performed across the state. Finally, by creating opportunities for undergraduates early in their academic careers, a pool of students is being created that will contribute to the next generation of health professionals, biomedical scientists, and employees for the biotechnology industries. Wyoming INBRE will also continue and enhance participation in the Regional Alliance of INBRE Networks (RAIN) that will increase opportunities for resource and program sharing across the western IDeA region including with Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico INBREs.