Integration of undergraduate, graduate students and undergraduate programs’ faculty members in a mentored research experience: enhancing diversity and retention
General description of the project
Diversity and interdisciplinarity are required for successful and transformational Clinical and Translational Research (CTR). Hispanics are underrepresented in the research environment. The Title V program at the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, developed a research pilot project program (PiP) in CTR to integrate health professions’ faculty and students, basic scientists , seasoned researchers and undergraduate programs’ faculty members from all post secondary institutions across Puerto Rico, integrating them in CTR teams. More than 99% of the PiP teams members are Hispanic.
The practicum focuses on the organizing of a research team identified as a Pilot Project team (PiP team) and the implementation of the proposed project. At present the PiP project has representation from eight different institutions/ campuses: University of Puerto Rico: Humacao, Cayey, Rio Piedras and Medical Sciences Campus, ; Instituto Tecnológico de Puerto Rico at Manatí; Universidad Central del Caribe; Universidad Interamericana Metro and Huertas Junior College. The practicum includes basic aspects of training in research including responsible conduct of research, scientific writing, statistical analysis, and the design of a proposal. These trainings are mostly web based online offerings. Scientific publications and writing, and statistical analysis consultants are also available through web based platforms. These have allowed for cost effective communication and integration of team members from different geographical locations,minimizing travel costs and promoting enhanced productivity and publications.
Technologies
Each team is assigned to its own Web based Microsoft Teams enclave. The Teams platform serves as repository for data, administrative paperwork, group meetings ( live and recorded), ideas exchange and general housekeeping, as the PiP team develops its research . Students and faculty members participating in each team are required to participate in trainings to enhance their research knowledge and productivity. Most of the trainings are offered online and are coordinated by the Center for Research, Entrepreneurship and Scientific Collaborations (CRESCO)of the Title V project. Through the CRESCO, participants have access to platforms such as Intellectus Statistics, Grammarly, Writefull , Turnitin and the on-line consultant’s services.
Explain project results
Twelve (12) PiP research teams showcase diversity in research areas with representation from Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Cancer, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Medical Images, Electro-Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology. In addition, PiP’s team members represent eight different institutions, across seven different geographical areas and their complete profiles will be delineated in the presentation. Teams have the participation of twelve (12) primary researchers, five (5) mentors, twelve (12 )UgF, seventeen (17) UGs, four (4 )medical students in different stages, and 9 GS. Participants have been able to focus their careers goals and students have been able to clarify their future academic development. Hispanic undergraduates that finished their participation have moved to graduate and professional post baccalaureate schools thus enhancing the Hispanics impact on the health related professions.
Why it should be considered best practice?
This session will present participants’ research-mentored teams experiences showcasing diversity in career stages and research areas at Hispanic serving institutions. Emphasis will be made on strategies that empowered these teams to conquer challenges faced by minorities and address Hispanic communities’ health needs with out-of-the-box approaches.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
The project showcases the ability to bring together researchers and students from different institutions and campuses to work towards the goal of resolving a research problem as they learn of new venues for their personal development. Although Puerto Rico is a small island, transportation and communication issues sometimes prevent the interaction among institutions. This Pilot Projects (PiP) program has been able to integrate campuses from the western part : Mayagüez, to Humacao in the eastern part , and all around the Puerto Rico. It has provided a venue to integrate personnel from mainly teaching oriented institutions with personnel in research intensive institutions and all using the technology provided by the TEAMS platform, among others, that provides an individual house for each team that serves as repository, data management, meeting venue and communication. Main lesson: Given the opportunity, Hispanic students and faculty members will engage in new ventures and will embrace activities for professional development that open opportunities for their career development, thus promoting persistence and continuity in their academic development.
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 7 (1= non-satisfactory; 7 =outstanding), for a maximum of 63 points.