Despite the proliferation of formal and informal research mentoring initiatives, relatively little is known about specific factors in mentoring relationships that account for the positive effects on student outcomes. Studies are needed that identify causal mechanisms of research mentoring in order to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of innovations such as research mentor training interventions aimed at advancing the science pursuits of underrepresented minorities (URM). The proposed research addresses this critical need through the following three Specific Aims:
Specific Aim #1. Establish the psychometric properties of the research mentor and mentee surveys currently in use to evaluate the Wisconsin Mentoring Seminar (WMS) and establish evidence for their construct validity and reliability. Approach:
Aim #1 will be accomplished using item and exploratory factor analysis to establish correlated variables and reveal underlying elements of research mentoring relationships.
Specific Aim #2. Identify critical elements in research mentoring relationships associated with student outcomes. Approach:
Aim #2 will be accomplished using hierarchical multiple regression and path analysis to test theoretically-proposed relationships among research mentoring elements and student outcomes.
Specific Aim #3. Modify the WMS in response to Specific Aim #2 and test the effectiveness of this adapted research mentor training intervention on student outcomes. Approach:
Aim #3 will be accomplished by employing a two-group pretest- posttest design to test the impact of trained research mentors and untrained research mentors on student outcomes. A repeated measures analysis of variance will be performed on the data. This proposal is innovative because it: employs a quasi-experimental research design, providing comparison between trained mentors and untrained mentors;uses retrospective and prospective, longitudinal data;and applies theoretically-grounded and methodologically rigorous approaches. This project is significant because it will yield: 1) psychometrically sound measures of the research mentoring relationship, 2) a tested, theoretically-based research mentor training intervention that promotes science careers for URM students, and 3) immediate translation of findings into directions for future adaptation of research mentor training efforts.

Public Health Relevance

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences prioritizes research training programs to produce the next generation of scientists who can meet the growing health needs for the public. The goal of the proposed work is to advance the representation of traditionally underrepresented groups in biological research by studying the predictors, correlates, and outcomes of research mentoring and a research mentor training intervention aimed at promoting their pursuit of science careers. Thus, the findings are ultimately expected to advance the culturally diverse workforce needed to address health disparities both in disease prevention and medical treatment.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01GM094573-01
Application #
7980530
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZGM1-MORE-9 (IN))
Program Officer
Singh, Shiva P
Project Start
2010-09-15
Project End
2013-08-31
Budget Start
2010-09-15
Budget End
2011-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$218,870
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Pfund, Christine; Byars-Winston, Angela; Branchaw, Janet et al. (2016) Defining Attributes and Metrics of Effective Research Mentoring Relationships. AIDS Behav 20 Suppl 2:238-48
Byars-Winston, Angela; Rogers, Jenna; Branchaw, Janet et al. (2016) New Measures Assessing Predictors of Academic Persistence for Historically Underrepresented Racial/Ethnic Undergraduates in Science. CBE Life Sci Educ 15:
Pfund, Christine; Sorkness, Christine A; Byars-Winston, Angela et al. (2015) In Reply to Chang and colleagues. Acad Med 90:265-6
Byars-Winston, Angela; Fouad, Nadya; Wen, Yao (2015) Race/ethnicity and sex in U.S. occupations, 1970-2010: Implications for research, practice, and policy. J Vocat Behav 87:54-70
Byars-Winston, Angela M; Branchaw, Janet; Pfund, Christine et al. (2015) Culturally Diverse Undergraduate Researchers' Academic Outcomes and Perceptions of Their Research Mentoring Relationships. Int J Sci Educ 37:2533-2554
Isaac, Carol; Byars-Winston, Angela; McSorley, Rebecca et al. (2014) A qualitative study of work-life choices in academic internal medicine. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract 19:29-41
Byars-Winston, Angela (2014) Toward a Framework for Multicultural STEM-Focused Career Interventions. Career Dev Q 62:340-357
Byars-Winston, Angela (2012) Broadening sources of Diginity and Affirmation in Work and Relationship. Couns Psychol 40:255-267
Fife, John E; Bond, Sherrod; Byars-Winston, Angela (2011) CORRELATES AND PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC SELF EFFICACY AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS. Education (Chula Vista) 132:141-148
Byars-Winston, Angela; Gutierrez, Belinda; Topp, Sharon et al. (2011) Integrating theory and practice to increase scientific workforce diversity: a framework for career development in graduate research training. CBE Life Sci Educ 10:357-67