Factors associated with applying to graduate/professional degrees for students engaged in undergraduate research experiences at minority serving institutions
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: This study investigates the impact of undergraduate research experiences on applications to graduate and professional programs, particularly for underrepresented minority students at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Methods: The study analyzes data collected at 10 MSIs participating in the NIH BUILD program to understand the relationship between research participation (in formal programs vs. informal research), student demographics, science self-efficacy, GPA, and application to advanced degree programs. Results: Results indicate that undergraduate research participation, especially in formal programs for extended periods of time, positively influences applications to graduate/professional programs, with similar outcomes observed across underrepresented minority and non-minority students. Discussion: Findings indicate that organized programs in biomedical research training significantly increase the probability of students applying to graduate or professional programs when programs span more than 12 months. This has implications for the design and implementation of biomedical research training programs, especially at MSIs.
Source: Frontiers in Education
Authors: Lourdes E. Echegoyen, Kala M. Mehta, Karsten Hueffer, Gabriela Chavira, Jacob D. Kagey, Thomas E. Keller, Kathleen M. Morgan, Stephen B. Aley, Chi-Ah Chun, Payam Sheikhattari, Amy Wagler
Institutions: The University of Texas at El Paso, University of California, San Francisco, University of Alaska Fairbanks, California State University, Northridge, University of Detroit Mercy, Portland State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, California State University, Long Beach, Morgan State University
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
Funders: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, San Francisco State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, National Institutes of Health, California State University Long Beach, California State University, Northridge, University of Texas at El Paso, National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Awards: G1094999235, G130981588, G146413919, G1690238319, G17401233, BUILD PODER II, G2376133786, Phase II of BUILDing SCHOLARS, G2481609681, G2797219417, G284317047, BUILD PODER II, G3021301350, G3576868822, G3916269333, G4026588371, G4070134298, G4287899427, G4383162100, SF BUILD: Enabling full representation in science, G505887770, G5135655433, G5284985403, ASCEND Training Model to Increase Diversity in the Biomedical Research Workforce, G6479774209, Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Initiative Phase II, EXITO: Enhancing Cross-disciplinary Infrastructure and Training at Oregon, G7695900067, BUILD PODER II, ASCEND Training Model to Increase Diversity in the Biomedical Research Workforce, Research Enhancement for BUILDing Detroit (ReBUILDetroit), G9000006275, G9000018989, G9000036584, G9000078080, G9000087226, G9000118102, G9000139819, G9000159351, Phase II of BUILDing SCHOLARS - Research Enrichment Core, G9000215957, G9000266236, G9000307638, G9000321764, G9000322077, G96216190
OpenAlex ID: W4411131283