This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) integrates outreach, recruitment, retention and placement strategies to promote success in college, sustain interest in STEM areas, and encourage graduate study. Originated at the University of Alaska Anchorage for engineering students only, ANSEP has increased retention rates of Native Americans in engineering programs (73% vs. national average 27%). In 2002, the ANSEP program began at UAF for engineering students. BRIN/INBRE has sponsored students since spring semester 2003, extending ANSEP-type scholarships and internships to students interested in biomedical research, medical or other professional degrees, or bioinformatics. From 7/04 to 6/05, we awarded 13 scholarships, 1 study leader award, and 2 GPA awards. INBRE also helped support the UAF ANSEP Awards banquet in May 2004.Of the 19 students who have received BRIN/INBRE support since 2003, 3 have graduated (2 employed by the Norton Sound Hospital, one accepted to Johns Hopkins nursing program), 2 have dropped out of school but plan to return, 5 will graduate in May 2005, and the rest are in school and placed in summer internships or programs. Eligibility for an INBRE/ANSEP scholarship requires a semester of 1) weekly attendance at American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) meetings, 2) minimum 3.0 GPA, and 3) application, personal statement, resume, and recommendation letters. Continued award of the $2500/semester scholarship depends on continued achievement based on 1) attendance at ANSEP and AISES weekly meetings, 2) participation in supplemental instruction and peer study groups (awarded $500/semester if a group study leader), 3) active participation in one student professional organization society, and 4) minimum of 12 credits toward degree requirements each semester with minimum of 2.0 in all courses (bonus of $250/semester if 3.0+). In summer, students are placed in a professional internship of at least 8 weeks, with weekly evaluations. In summer 2004, four ANSEP students worked in UAF labs: continuing participant Crystal Duncan, and new participants Lonita Lohse, Courtney Moore, and Alice Kangas. Ann Wilson attended a summer research experience program at Harvard Medical School. Fall semester 2004 6 students earned scholarships: Ann Wilson, Crystal Duncan, Minnie Goodblanket, Alice Kangas, Courtney Moore, and Lonita Lohse . Study leader awards went to Lohse and GPA awards to Lohse and Kangas. In Spring 2005, Wilson, Kangas, Lohse and Moore continued and Ann Austin (senior, biology), R.J. Stevens (Sophomore, engineering) and Kelly Thompson (Junior, engineering) were added. The engineering students are working on biomedical-type projects although UAF has no formal Bioengineering program. For summer 2005, 2 new students will be added: Kim Dullen (Sophomore, Biology), and Shauna Sagmoen (Sophomore, Chemistry).
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