Union County Review

Kean University has received a $1.37 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a program aimed at training a diverse group of undergraduate STEM students in biomedical research. The Kean U-RISE Trainee Pathway (KUTP) will commence this fall, initiating a five-year plan to prepare talented young scientists for careers in biomedical research.

“The program is significant because it is the first of its kind at Kean University to specifically focus on and have students commit to pursuing an advanced degree in biomedical science,” said Derrick Swinton, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research at The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology at Kean.

“The overarching goals of the KUTP will be to train undergraduates in research excellence, build a diverse cohort of students who strongly identify as STEM scientists, and prepare them for the next phase of the biomedical research career pathway,” he added.

The KUTP will recruit fellows from Kean’s biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and integrated science programs. These disciplines encompass approximately 2,100 students, with over half belonging to groups underrepresented in the sciences. Eligible undergraduate fellows must be members of ethnic or racial groups underrepresented in biomedical science or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are expected to be sophomores, juniors, or seniors at Kean and must commit to pursuing a Ph.D. in a biomedical research field.

Kean University aims to enhance its research profile by pursuing R2 research institution designation. As New Jersey’s urban research university, Kean focuses on recruiting and supporting students from underserved communities.

“Grants such as this NIH award allow us to support a broader range of research projects, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration at Kean University," said Susannah Porterfield, Ed.D., Vice President for Research at Kean. “Diversifying our external funding sources enhances our financial stability as a university and a research institution.”

The first four KUTP undergraduate fellows will begin their training this fall with plans to maintain eight students annually. The program includes rigorous academic training, financial support, attentive mentoring, seminars on ethics and professionalization topics related to research, and assistance transitioning into graduate school and the biomedical workforce.

The NIH promotes diversity within student and faculty populations across institutions to increase participation from underrepresented groups in various scientific fields.

“Research shows that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogenous teams,” stated an NIH document on diversity. “Scientists and trainees from diverse backgrounds bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems.”

For more information about the program visit the program website.