Helping students transition to biomedical research careers
Official title: Rise to the Challenge Bridge to Health Informatics and Bioinformatics
Funded at El Paso Community College · NIH-10893479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program is designed to help students from El Paso Community College smoothly transfer to the University of Texas at El Paso and earn a degree in Biomedical or Health Sciences, while boosting their skills in science and math, especially in data science, and supporting minority and disadvantaged students along the way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | El Paso Community College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $262,380 |
| NIH project number | 5T34GM151403-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are students from El Paso Community College who are interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Biomedical or Health Sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are already enrolled in a four-year university or those not pursuing a career in biomedical research may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This program aims to support students from El Paso Community College (EPCC) in successfully transferring to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and graduating with a degree in Biomedical or Health Sciences. It focuses on enhancing students' skills in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics while increasing their knowledge in data science, particularly in Bioinformatics and Health Informatics. The program also emphasizes the importance of diversity by targeting minority and disadvantaged students, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to excel in their studies and pursue advanced degrees or careers in biomedical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase the number of qualified professionals entering the biomedical research workforce, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational programs have shown success in increasing degree attainment and workforce readiness among underrepresented student populations.
Where this research is happening
-
El Paso Community College
El Paso, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alvarez, Maria E — El Paso Community College
- Study coordinator: Alvarez, Maria E
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.