Research training and biomedical education

In an effort to increase the number of well trained minority healthcare professionals and basic science researchers, Jackson State University, (JSU, a historically black institution) in partnership with Hinds Community College (HCC, a 2-year college) and consultant biomedical researchers/healthcare professionals at the University of Mississippi Medical Center established a Bridges to the Baccalaureate Degree Program (BBDP). The purpose of the BBDP was to enhance HCC students transfer rates to 4 year institutions and to motivate trainees to seek Baccalaureate and advanced degrees in the biomedical and health sciences areas. The program utilized faculty and administrators at each institution in the planning and implementation of all programmatic aspects, including student selection, advisement procedures and program activities. HCC students (280) were recruited, 94.5 % of whom were African American, and trained in research laboratory methodologies, responsible conduct of research concepts, literature survey mechanisms, and scientific writing techniques during the academic year. Students engaged in specific individualized research projects during the summer and presented their research findings at local scientific seminars and professional meetings e.g., Mississippi Academy of Sciences, ABRCMS, FASEB, and the Endocrine Society. Sixty-five percent of students eligible to transfer actually transferred to Jackson State University and 8 other colleges and universities. Approximately 70% of the transfer students obtained Baccalaureate degrees and many received or are enrolled in masters and doctorate degree programs. HCC science faculty also received additional research training experiences and in 6 cases, initiated or completed terminal degrees in the sciences. In conclusion, it is clear that exposure to research training in the biomedical sciences can enhance community college students transfer rates and potential to seek advanced degrees.