A SCIENCE PIPELINE PATHWAY FOR TRAINING UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS IN THE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

This article describes a science pipeline program designed to increase the number of minority students preparing for future biomedical research careers. This study focused on the importance of undergraduate students' participation in faculty-mentored research projects and on students' decisions to enter graduate school. The academic performance of participating minority students was compared with that of ethnic-specific nonparticipating students and majority nonparticipating students. More than 1,200 San Diego State University minority students were tracked through college. Of 132 who have graduated from two support programs, 53% entered graduate programs, and 39% have already completed advanced degrees. The major factors in a student's decision to enter graduate school in the biomedical sciences were faculty mentoring and his or her participation in faculty research projects. College participants in a California State University system wide mathematics enrichment program showed retention rates of 57% for minorities, 35% for minority nonparticipants, and 46% for majority nonparticipants.