National Research Mentoring Network: A/B Testing User Enrollment to Enhance Diversity in BioMedical Workforce (Preprint)
Year: 2023
Type: preprint
Abstract: BACKGROUND The National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) is an NIH funded program to diversify the STEMM research workforce through providing mentoring, networking, and professional development resources. NRMN provides resources to members through its online platform, MyNRMN. OBJECTIVE MyNRMN helps members build a network of mentors. Our goal is to expand enrollment and mentoring connections, especially among those historically underrepresented in biomedical training and the biomedical workforce. METHODS To improve ease of enrollment, we implemented split testing of iterations of our user interface for platform registration. To increase mentoring connections, we developed multiple features that facilitate connecting via different pathways. RESULTS Our improved user interface yielded significantly higher rates of completed registrations. Our analysis showed improvement in completed enrollments using Version 1 compared to the Legacy (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.30, 1.78). Version 2, with its simplified, one-step pro¬cess, and fewer required fields, outperformed the Legacy (OR=2.18, 95%CI 1.90, 2.50). Our newly developed features delivered an increase in connections between members. CONCLUSIONS MyNRMN’s technical efforts expanded its membership base and increased connections between members. Other platforms can learn from these efforts regarding how to increase enrollment among underrepresented groups and foster continuing, successful engagement.
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4388817629