田舎の大学における生物医学博士課程のトレーニングの強化：G-RISEプログラムの5年間の成果

Graduate education in biomedical science faces persistent challenges in rural and under-resourced regions, including limited access to research training infrastructure and experiential learning opportunities. The University of South Dakota's Graduate Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (G-RISE) program addressed these barriers by embedding structured training within a Carnegie-classified high research activity institution (R2) in a state designated by the NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program as historically underfunded. From 2020 to 2025, G-RISE supported 11 Ph.D. students, most of whom were first-generation college graduates or from rural backgrounds, through a curriculum emphasizing rigorous research, mentor development, microcredential coursework, science communication, and career exploration. Trainees achieved 100% Ph.D. retention and graduated one year faster than their peers (4.08 vs. 5.07 years), with comparable publication rates (1.04 vs. 1.16 publications/year). Department-wide outcomes also improved during the funding period: the median time-to-degree decreased to 5.0 years, attrition dropped, and graduates averaged 5.7 peer-reviewed publications, more than twice the pre-G-RISE average. Additionally, there were increases in graduates earning nationally competitive fellowships. Key training innovations, including interdisciplinary microcredential electives and formal mentor training, were adopted across the broader graduate program, strengthening institutional capacity. These findings illustrate that targeted, scalable interventions can improve educational outcomes and research productivity in institutions with limited NIH training infrastructure. The USD G-RISE model offers a replicable framework for programs, especially in rural or less resourced settings, seeking to enhance biomedical training. Further, it underscores the importance of aligning training strategies with local strengths and workforce needs.