Helping Master's students from diverse backgrounds transition to PhD programs in biomedical science
Official title: Integration of Research, Mentoring and Professional Skill Building for Master's Students to Bridge to a PhD Program in Biomedical Science
Funded at California State Poly U Pomona · NIH-10889104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program is designed to help Master's students, especially those from diverse backgrounds or facing challenges, smoothly move into PhD programs in biomedical research by providing mentorship, training, and hands-on experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Training grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State Poly U Pomona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pomona, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $391,298 |
| NIH project number | 5T32GM137812-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are Master's students from underrepresented minority groups, low socio-economic backgrounds, or those with disabilities who are interested in pursuing a PhD in biomedical research.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are already enrolled in PhD programs or those not pursuing a career in biomedical research may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This program aims to support Master's students, particularly those from underrepresented minority groups, low socio-economic backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities, in successfully transitioning to PhD programs in biomedical research. Students will receive mentorship from faculty at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and the University of California, Riverside, while completing their Master's research projects. They will also participate in research-related skills training, take relevant courses, and engage in a summer research internship. The program focuses on building research knowledge, confidence, and awareness of biomedical careers to enhance students' readiness for doctoral studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of underrepresented students pursuing and completing PhD programs in biomedical science.
How similar studies have gone: Similar programs have shown success in increasing diversity in PhD programs, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
California State Poly U Pomona
Pomona, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buckley-Nieves, Nancy Elizabeth — California State Poly U Pomona
- Study coordinator: Buckley-Nieves, Nancy Elizabeth
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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.