Frontiers in Public Health (May 2024)

Summer undergraduate biomedical research program for underrepresented minority students in a rural, low-income state

  • Michael E. Anders,
  • Latrina Y. Prince,
  • Tremaine B. Williams,
  • Robert E. McGehee,
  • Billy R. Thomas,
  • Antino R. Allen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1395942
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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IntroductionDiversity can enhance the agenda and quality of biomedical research, but a dearth of underrepresented minorities and women serve as biomedical researchers. The study purpose was to examine the impact of the a summer undergraduate research program on self-efficacy in research, scientific communication, and leadership as well as scientific identity, valuing objectives of the scientific community, and intent to pursue a biomedical research career.MethodsUnderrepresented minority and female undergraduate students participated in a mentored research experience in a rural, low-income state.ResultsStudents' self-efficacy in research, scientific communication, and leadership as well as scientific identity, valuing objectives of the scientific community, and intent to pursue a biomedical research career increased post-program compared to pre-program.ConclusionThis study supports implementation of a biomedical summer undergraduate research program for URM and women in a poor, rural, settings.

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