Courtesy of Bowie State University
Bowie State University will expand its ability to train and mentor undergraduate students from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds and prepare them for biotechnology, biomedical and other careers steeped in science with a new $148,000 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Scientific Research Preparatory Program (SRPP) is Bowie State’s first prime contract with NIH.
The program will focus on recent advances in the field as well as the technical aspects of discovery through laboratory research, a comprehensive curriculum, opportunities to collaborate with scientists, clinical research, college readiness seminars and an introduction to entrepreneurial thinking. It will also enable students to conduct hands-on clinical research to help prepare them to successfully compete as applicants for the NIH Summer Internship Program.
Building and strengthening the STEM workforce at the regional and national level is a major priority for life sciences companies seeking a skilled diverse workforce. Statistics for academic progression and career advancement highlight a major disparity in achievement and representation for underserved populations justifying the need for curricular and co-curricular programs at HBCUs that train and mentor students who enter the STEM pipeline.
“The Bowie State University NIH Scientific Research Preparatory Program will enable the university to begin early in the freshman and sophomore years to equip our students with essential skill sets for the future STEM workforce through immersion into clinical and hands-on research experiences, entrepreneurship, and design thinking, as well as a vibrant STEM learning community,” said Dr. George Ude, chair of the Natural Science Department.
Undergraduate research is one of 11 high high-impact practices recommended by the Association of American Colleges & Universities to enhance student engagement and learning and to improve outcomes for students of diverse backgrounds.
“Our program will broaden student participation and equip any undergraduate who wishes to join the future STEM workforce,” said Dr. Ude. “The SRPP at Bowie State provides a viable and sustainable pathway to increase interest in STEM disciplines at NIH and career paths at the agency.”
