MARC at Colorado State Univeristy The training mission of the MARC at Colorado State University is to identify promising underrepresented (UR) biomedical science students and provide them with rigorous, evidence- based courses, mentored research laboratory experiences, synergistic social networks, stable financial support and structured individualized training activities to develop a cohort of highly qualified trainees who will matriculate into advanced biomedical sciences degree programs. To achieve this, we will conduct strategic outreach and engagement to recruit students who represent the diversity of our national population. Individualized academic success plans will ensure academic preparedness to attain 90% retention and graduation rates of MARC students. We will reach this goal by creating cohorts with a sense of empowered community in a supportive training environment. All MARC students will engage in hypothesis-driven laboratory research for 3 academic years and will complete two summer research experiences. Each trainee will be supported by synergistic Mentoring Teams of faculty and peers. Oral and written communication skills will be developed and success will be evidenced through participation in scientific meetings, outreach to the lay public, manuscript publication and funded fellowship proposals. The MARC at CSU program will cultivate career-long professional development, guided by an Individual Development Plan and Mentoring Plan. Collaborative mentors who are committed to diversity and inclusion will encourage, critique and help trainees to think critically; identify important biomedical research questions; and design and perform research ethically, responsibly and with rigor. The CSU Institute for Research in the Social Sciences will evaluate the MARC program’s Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP model), to provide evidence-based assessment that will guide decision-making and program improvement. Our overarching goal is for 70% of MARC at CSU students to matriculate into advanced research training programs and continue on to careers in biomedical research.

PROJECT NARRATIVE This MARC at CSU program seeks to enhance access of underrepresented students to advanced research training (PhD, MD/PhD, DVM/PhD) and successful careers in biomedical research. This will be achieved by 1) outreach and recruitment of underrepresented, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and disabled undergraduates into the Biomedical Sciences Major; 2) providing a supportive and inclusive environment; 3) providing academic support and laboratory-based research training; and 4) cultivating professional development.