A summer program to encourage under-represented minority students to pursue careers in biomedical sciences.
Official title: DEI Summer Research Program
Funded at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center · NIH-11052032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program is all about giving under-represented minority college students, especially those who are Black and often the first in their families to go to college, a chance to explore exciting careers in biomedical sciences through a hands-on summer research experience with guidance and support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006980-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are under-represented minority undergraduate students, particularly those from Black American backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are not from under-represented minority backgrounds or those who are not pursuing undergraduate studies may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This program aims to expose under-represented minority undergraduate students to career opportunities in biomedical sciences through a summer research experience. It is designed to provide early exposure to scientific careers, helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for future roles in the field. The program is a collaboration between the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center and Langston University, focusing on students who are primarily Black Americans and often the first in their families to attend college. Participants will engage in research activities and receive mentorship to enhance their understanding of biomedical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase the representation of minority groups in biomedical careers, leading to more diverse research teams.
How similar studies have gone: Previous similar programs have shown success in increasing diversity in biomedical fields, indicating a positive trend for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scofield, Robert Hal — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Scofield, Robert Hal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Protecting small blood vessels from radiation by boosting mitochondrial health
It aims to prevent radiation-related damage to tiny blood vessels and reduce later thinking and memory problems in people who get radiation therapy by protecting cell mitochondria.
-
Using mitochondria to protect the brain’s small vessels during radiation cancer therapy
Aims to find ways to protect brain blood vessels from damage caused by radiation therapy used for cancer, so veterans and others can keep cognition and brain health.
-
Remedy for Aged Muscle After Disuse Atrophy
Aging veterans who get hospitalized often don’t fully regain muscle mass or strength after bed rest, and this project aims to help them recover faster.
-
RMTg GABA neurons and opioid use disorder in veterans
This project studies a brain pathway (RMTg to VTA) that may control opioid use behavior, with a focus on aging and veterans who receive opioids.
-
Targeting the DCLK1 protein in liver cancer
This project explores whether blocking a protein called DCLK1 can slow tumor growth in people with cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.
-
How exercising blood and its messengers could help aging veterans regain muscle after bed rest
A study explores whether factors in exercising blood can help older adults, especially aging veterans, recover muscle after periods of inactivity.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.