UIC research teams receive funding to expand participation in STEMM
Introduction
When research team members have the same perspectives and backgrounds, they view challenges through the same lens, leading to fewer opportunities for novel ideas to emerge. Increasing participation in STEMM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine – research sparks creativity and leads to innovation beyond what was previously imaginable.
Seven projects led by UIC researchers designed to broaden the participation of undergraduate and graduate students in STEMM research have been awarded one-year funding from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. The funds were distributed from a prize given to UIC in 2024 by the National Institutes of Health.
The projects’ initiatives span across disciplines and include activities such as recruitment at community colleges, career development programs, funding for conferences and mentorship matching.
“These projects bolster UIC’s mission of broad access to research and educational excellence,” said Vice Chancellor of Research Joanna Groden. “They will help introduce more students to research and support them in their path to STEMM degrees and careers, building the next generation of scientists and clinicians.”
Learn more about each project below.
Examining the Community College to Health Professions Education Pathway
Principal investigators: Nicole Perez, College of Medicine| Monica Vela, College of Medicine
Students interested in pursuing health professions who begin their postsecondary education at community colleges face unique challenges. These may include insufficient time to network, difficulties adjusting to bigger class sizes, financial stress and graduate schools’ perceptions of community college courses compared to those offered by four-year institutions.
UIC researchers will investigate how community college students navigate the barriers and challenges that come with pursuing their education to ensure that more students have pathways to graduate programs. The team is considering the perspectives and experiences of current community college students across Chicago that have plans to pursue graduate education in health professions, as well as those of advisors across relevant colleges, support centers and pathway programs.
Developing Industry Connections for Biomedical Engineering Students
Principal investigators: Hananeh Esmailbeigi, Colleges of Engineering and Medicine | Tom Royston, Colleges of Engineering and Medicine
It’s important for students to have the opportunity to establish industry connections and to learn about the variety of jobs that exist for them after graduation. UIC’s Biomedical Engineering Department developed a program in which students will join UIC alumni and industry experts for a seminar series, career development workshops, company visits, study abroad trips and mentorship. The program will highlight the opportunities available for biomedical engineers at a range of companies and build connections between students and the community, with the aim of helping students find jobs and internship placements.
Providing Anesthesiology Clinical and Translational Research Experience for Medical Students
Principal investigators: Steven Roth, College of Medicine | Helen Lee, College of Medicine | Michael Fettiplace, College of Medicine | Richard Minshall, College of Medicine | Suellen Dos Santos Oliveira, College of Medicine | and Gouchong Hu, College of Medicine
Anesthesiology is one of the most difficult specialties to match in, requiring students to find ways to make their resumes stand out during competitive application processes. One of the best ways to make an impression is through research experience. At UIC, students can receive a stipend and work in an anesthesiology lab, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn more about the specialty--especially for those who may have never considered it before. The program aims to promote the anesthesiology field while supporting students in their academic and professional journeys.
Increasing Participation in Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research
Principal investigator: Hamed Hatami-Marbini, College of Engineering
UIC engineering students will have the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary research characterizing mechanical and microstructural properties of the cornea. They will conduct pilot studies and perform imaging and analyses to determine the microstructure and composition of corneal tissue. This project will provide engineering students with rigorous biomedical health research experience that may have been previously inaccessible, expanding their potential and enabling collaboration with clinicians, ultimately improving human health.
Strengthening Students’ Potential with First-At-LAS/LASURI Argonne Scholars Program
Principal investigator: Luke Hanley, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Rosilie Hernández, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Jordi Cabana, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Marisol Mastrangelo, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Conducting research under the guidance of a dedicated faculty member strengthens students’ academic skillsets and expands pathways for future professional success. The First-at-LAS Academic Success Program provides proactive support, reduces barriers to graduation and promotes post-graduation career success for undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) by connecting them with sponsored research projects and faculty mentors. The NIH award funds First-at-LAS/LASURI Argonne Scholars to engage in collaborative research projects between science or math faculty in the College of LAS and researchers at Argonne National Laboratory.
Positioning Students for Success with L@s GANAS Project Supplement
Principal investigators: Liz Ramirez, Office of Student Success and Belonging | and Aixa Alfonso, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
L@s GANAS supports Latinx undergraduate students with an interest in biology, biochemistry, chemistry and neuroscience, and positions them to apply to graduate and professional schools. The program is designed to bridge their heritage with their emerging identity as scientists, supporting the whole person. L@s GANAS aims to increase enrollment and persistence of Latinx STEM students and to improve their academic performance and graduation rates in their chosen STEM disciplines. Since its inception, L@s GANAS has worked with and supported over 600 students through mentorship, research fellowship opportunities and coaching.
Building Bridges with UIC/Argonne Research Scholar Transport Program
Principal investigator: Joanna Groden, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
The Crabtree Institute for Discovery strengthens the research and education relationship between UIC and Argonne National Laboratory. To take advantage of the world-class scientists, science instrumentation and programming available at Argonne, this program will provide transportation for UIC undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Eligible research scholars will be able to book a ride-share service for travel between the two campuses.
Learn more about the research being done at UIC.