Project Summary/Abstract Dillard University (DU) propose to establish an Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) Program building on a strong partnership with Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the university has since rebounded strongly with more than $150 million spent on campus renovation and restoration, including a new $43 million, 160,000 sq. ft. professional science building. This is a strong reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to the training of its mostly local student population, which is 98% African American, with 99% receiving federal financial aid. We propose to leverage our Dillard/LSUHSC partnership to establish the Dillard U-RISE to SUCCESS Program (Strengthening Undergraduate Capabilities in College through Enrichment and Special Support). Through our partnership with LSUHSC-NO, students will have access to premium teaching, research, and healthcare institutions state-wide. The U-RISE to SUCCESS Program will involve 16 U-RISE Scholars (4 per year starting in the junior year) in a rich research-oriented experience. The U-RISE scholars will experience an enhanced curriculum through participation in co-curricular activities of seminars, workshops, special courses, and strong opportunities for year-round participation in contemporary research under the direction of skilled faculty. Aim 1. To create an engaging community of URM scholars prepared for pursuing biomedical research. Objective A1. To strengthen and enhance our existing research and academic support activities by implementing an interdisciplinary early inquiry-based group research program and a collaborative intervention and retention program in the School of Arts and Science. The outcomes for this aim and objective are to: 1) to build a strong foundation in the sciences; 2) to establish a community of URM scientists nationwide with U- RISE Scholars; 3) to provide training in rigor and reproducibility; and 4) increase external internship participation Aim 2. To increase overall URM student applications to research graduate degree programs and improve knowledge of biomedical/ behavioral careers. Objective A2. To increase students’ knowledge of graduate degree programs and biomedical/behavioral sciences careers by integrating a “biomedical/behavioral careers focused” curriculum into seminar courses and other ongoing activities. The outcomes for this aim and objective are: 1) 50% of talented students participating in U-RISE will enter graduate school in a biomedical research-specific area through intensive ongoing career guidance and application preparation assistance; and by holding dedicated U-RISE workshops with career professionals and other groups at potential graduate institutions.

PROJECT NARRATIVE Dillard University proposes to initiate new academic development activities that will strengthen and enhance our existing research and academic support activities for underrepresented (UR) students. As a competitive liberal arts HBCU, Dillard’s U-RISE program will implement an interdisciplinary early inquiry-based group research program and a collaborative intervention and retention program to increase overall UR student applications to research graduate degree programs, and promote their entry into biomedical/ behavioral careers. By improving on our current graduate school application rate, Dillard will have a significant impact on UR students who plan to attend graduate school and finish a research doctoral degree.