WSU's MIRA is an ESTEEMED Program that increases the diversity of the biomedical workforce by providing meritorious students from underrepresented and/or disadvantaged backgrounds with the tools and experience needed for success in college and as applicants to research-based graduate programs in the biomedical sciences. Increasing the diversity of the biomedical workforce is the first step in investigating health disparities across America and providing innovative, effective solutions. By adapting and adopting evidence-based practices and interventions in novel ways, MIRA will provide a supportive environment that will develop underrepresented undergraduate scholars' academic and research potential. Specifically this program gives students the skills, strategies, and cultural acumen to overcome systematic obstacles and flourish in the biomedical workforce. MIRA will achieve these outcomes by: 1. Building community through mentoring, motivation, monitoring, and advising. 2. Creating an environment of support and motivation that will socially integrate students into the WSU STEM community. 3. Facilitating academic integration with academic advising and an enriched curriculum in areas of professional development, science communication, and professional writing. 4. Increasing student research expertise and confidence as a scientist and professional. 5. Integrating students into the culture of biomedical research with research preparation courses, seminars, and workshops. 6. Enhancing the undergraduate research experience with attendance and presentations at local and national symposiums. 7. Increasing the number of underrepresented minority students engaged in a productive research experience. 8. Transitioning students to 3rd and 4th year research experiences in the Honors program. The WSU MIRA program will measure success using individual student progress in critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills, completion of advanced coursework in the sciences and engineering, the cultivation and practice of research skills, and the matriculation of MIRA scholars into doctoral-level programs in the biomedical sciences. The successful progression of MIRA scholars into biomedical careers represents a pathway for increased diversity of the biomedical workforce, and consequently for improved wellbeing of underserved communities.
The proposed Washington State University ESTEEMED program (MIRA) will equip high achieving freshman and sophomores from underrepresented groups with the skills needed to complete their undergraduate degrees, matriculate into a graduate program, and pursue a career in biomedical research. Through the WSU MIRA program, a diverse and well-trained pool of scientists and engineers will contribute to creative and innovative health solutions allowing the United States to remain a world leader in biomedical sciences. Moreover, by increasing diversity in the biomedical sciences workforce MIRA will enable the United States to eliminate health disparities across the nation by providing an empathetic workforce that reflects all socioeconomic backgrounds.
