Improving mentoring for underrepresented graduate students in research

Impact of Culturally Aware Mentoring Interventions on Research Mentors and Graduate Training Programs

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10662311

This study is all about helping mentors at mostly White universities better support underrepresented faculty and students in biomedical research by teaching them how to be more understanding and open about important issues like racism.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10662311 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the mentoring experiences of historically underrepresented (HU) faculty and students in predominantly White research-intensive universities. It implements a Culturally Aware Mentoring (CAM) intervention that trains research mentors to better understand and support HU scientists. The CAM program includes an online module and a full-day training session aimed at increasing mentors' cultural competency and willingness to discuss issues like racism. By fostering more inclusive mentoring practices, the research aims to create a supportive environment for HU students pursuing careers in biomedical research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are historically underrepresented graduate students and faculty in research-intensive academic settings.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in graduate training programs or who do not belong to historically underrepresented groups may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mentoring relationships that empower underrepresented graduate students and enhance their success in research careers.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from similar interventions have shown positive outcomes in mentor knowledge and practices, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.