Students at the University of Guam (UOG) are a significant source of Pacific Islanders and Filipinos (underrepresented minorities) for biomedical Ph.D. programs. The core activity, student research, following best practices in Stateside internships, includes enrichment, e.g., responsible conduct of research, effective mentor relationships, and assistance with graduate applications and networking. An increase is proposed from 5 to 6 undergraduate student research assistants, along with the 4 M.S. students (a master's at UOG is a stepping-stone to a Ph.D., not a terminal degree). Increases from 4 to 8 undergraduate summer research experiences and from 2 to 5 hosts annually have been arranged with research-intensive universities. Research mentors at UOG include the world-class UOG Marine Laboratory. Through our 5-pronged approach to improving the """"""""pipeline,"""""""" the number of B.A.s to Ph.D. programs will double, totaling 18 to 20 during the grant. Activity 2 incorporates (a) quantitative modeling into molecular genetics and evolution courses and into student research, and (b) off-island training for faculty and students. [Activity 3 deleted.] Activity 4 prepares students for the existing biometrics course, raising the baseline of prepared students from 0 to 80%. Activity 5 strengthens student capacity to (a) read, write, and present science effectively and efficiently (skills linked to GRE and graduate school success) and (b) learn the principles of conducting research responsibly. GRE average baseline percentiles are 16th Writing (goal 70th), 49th Verbal (goal 69th), 34th Quantitative (goal 50th). All faculty will continue to develop research-teaching capacity via workshops, courses, conferences, and collaborations. Through the curriculum and 19 research apprenticeships per year, UOG RISE will continue developing biomedical research capacity. About 70 biology students a year (85% underrepresented minorities) will benefit from the proposed courses that will become required by the Biology curriculum. ? ? UOG's Land Grant mission includes regionally relevant research, much of which contributes to public health. Student motivation for biomedical research rises dramatically upon seeing their potential for helping the high percentage of our Island people afflicted with diabetes, cancer, heart, and dementia diseases. The UOG RISE Program supports their vision with four tightly integrated components, in alignment with Bio2010, by strengthening the Biology Program's capacity in research, quantitative, genetics, and communication skills. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Education Projects (R25)
Project #
5R25GM063682-06
Application #
7269318
Study Section
Minority Programs Review Committee (MPRC)
Program Officer
Toliver, Adolphus
Project Start
2001-08-01
Project End
2010-07-31
Budget Start
2007-08-01
Budget End
2008-07-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$320,160
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Guam
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
779908151
City
Mangilao
State
GU
Country
United States
Zip Code
96923
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Lobban, Christopher S; Raymundo, Laurie M; Montagnes, David J S (2011) Porpostoma guamensis n. sp., a philasterine scuticociliate associated with brown-band disease of corals. J Eukaryot Microbiol 58:103-13
Lobban, Christopher S; Quiambao, Keith; Wood, Timothy S (2008) Freshwater biodiversity of Guam. 2. First Micronesian record of Plumatella bushnelli Wood, 2001 (Bryozoa, Phylactolaemata). Micronesica 40:275-283
Lobban, Christopher S; Schefter, Maria (2008) Freshwater biodiversity of Guam. 1. Introduction, with new records of ciliates and a heliozoan. Micronesica 40:273-293
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