PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goal of the Guided Research Experiences & Applied Training (GREAT) in Alcohol Studies program is to provide innovative, intensive summer research experiences, in the study of alcohol and related behavioral health outcomes, for undergraduates from underrepresented (UR) groups, in order to create a pipeline for increasing diversity in biomedical and behavioral research. Since 2019, the program has funded research experiences for 46 undergraduates from underrepresented groups with a majority of fellows continuing to another research experience. The program also boasts high STEM graduation rates and ~40% enrollment in graduate school. In the next funding period, GREAT in Alcohol Studies will bring together undergraduates from Virginia Commonwealth University and Rutgers University to: (1) offer an innovative, 8 week summer research experience for 10 program fellows, consisting of a combination of structured training (Week 1) and individual mentorship (Weeks 2-8) under faculty with expertise in substance use and behavioral health, designed to provide young researchers with foundational research skills, experiential learning, and responsible conduct of research training; (2) provide professional and career development opportunities for fellows, to facilitate student success in research and to prepare students for behavioral research careers; (3) offer fellows a comprehensive mentoring model including a mentor at each project site and “near peer” mentor from our alumni pool; and (4) disseminate program findings and student research through both traditional (e.g., scientific posters) and innovative (e.g., infographics) means, to train the next generation of researchers in the dissemination and translation of research. Professional and career development, as well as research internships, will extend beyond the summer program, affording support throughout the remainder of the fellow's academic career. Program success will be evaluated across recruitment, student program completion, and fellows' continued engagement in research and entrance into research-related careers. GREAT offers fellows exciting benefits including an expansion of alcohol-related research training within two diverse universities, cross-fostering of ideas and exchange of information between students at both sites, and expansion of student networks through additional mentorship opportunities and position us to contribute significantly to increasing diversity in the next generation of alcohol researchers.

PROJECT NARRATIVE Although diverse perspectives and expertise are needed to solve current, complex health problems, individuals from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities are significantly less likely to end up in science careers. Evidence suggests that targeted undergraduate research programs substantially improve persistence and conceptualization of a future career in research. This proposal continues an intensive summer research experience in the study of alcohol and related behavioral health outcomes for undergraduates from underrepresented groups in order to develop a pipeline for increasing diversity in biomedical and behavioral research.