The COMPASS Scholars Program – Developing Today’s Untapped Talent into Tomorrow’s STEM Cell Researchers

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Grant Award Details

Grant Number:
EDUC5-13840
Investigator(s):
Name:
Type:
PI

Award Value:
$2,889,750
Status:
Active

Progress Reports

Reporting Period:
Year 1
Reporting Period:
Year 2

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

The COMPASS Scholars Program – Developing Today’s Untapped Talent into Tomorrow’s STEM Cell Researchers

Public Abstract:
The COMPASS Scholars Program aims to diversify the ranks of stem cell researchers by developing untapped talent vs. skimming the so-called ‘best’ based on standardized test scores and GPAs. The COMPASS Scholars Program combines the research expertise of a leading stem cell research center and the STEM equity expertise of a 30-year-old program with its history of graduating biology majors from low-income, first-to-college, and underrepresented ethnic backgrounds with biology degrees and exit GPAs on par with majors-at-large. These partners will work with students whose untapped research talent may not be appreciated based on their lower entry GPAs and SATs. The proposed program will be comprehensive, providing regular ongoing structured support for the growth of both its trainees and their mentors from 33 stem cell research labs associated with the center.

The proposed COMPASS Scholars Program will support 26+ trainees from a pool of ‘research ready’ undergraduates who demonstrate strong interest in regenerative medicine after participation in one-year of developmental activities (e.g., courses, stem cell themed journal club, research seminars). The primary program will be a two-year commitment. To make the program equitable, a modified one-year program will be offered for transfer students who may need time to use their first year after transferring to become ‘research ready.’ A majority will conduct research during the two full years (2 summers + 2 academic years) before graduating. Transfer students may only have one-full year of research before graduating. All will have the support of ongoing professional development, cohort, and science identity building activities. In parallel, post-docs and graduate students that directly mentor the Scholars will meet monthly to discuss students’ challenges, successes as mentors, and learn about STEM equity best practices in the research lab within the context of regenerative medicine.

Through the proposed COMPASS Scholars Program we aspire to change the DEI focus in the STEM community from ‘fixing’ the student to institutional change, also known as ‘inclusive excellence.’ Our goal is to foster research lab environments that are culturally sustaining and affirming for individuals from all backgrounds who have a passion for science. This aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act that states that all of our institutions (in this case our STEM disciplines) should be accessible to everyone, thereby ‘democratizing’ student success in STEM by supporting the achievement of ‘the many’ (from diverse backgrounds) and not just ‘the select few’ (from traditionally successful backgrounds).
Statement of Benefit to California:
As a public land grant institution, mandated to serve all segments of California’s diverse population, the STEM community at this University has not seen equitable outcomes for its majors from the diversity of backgrounds represented among its undergraduates. Here and elsewhere, STEM culture relies heavily on the quantitative assessment of talent (e.g., GPA, standardized test rankings) and the value of competition and curve grading to sort talent. These practices are grounded in the ideology of an objective meritocracy in which individuals ‘deserve what they get and get what they deserve.’ These practices reinforce the myth of meritocracy and have focused our attention on the ‘failing student’ rather than on the institutional practices that have failed them. We must rethink how we think about STEM ‘talent’ and how we assess who is ‘qualified’ to succeed in and contribute to science. With limited fiscal resources, we should ask what is STEM ‘talent’ and how should we invest in it? As part of our due diligence, we need to identify and address the structural failings of our institutions rather than rationalizing success in STEM as the natural outcome of individual differences in skill, talent, or perceived work ethic. 30 years of evidence from the STEM equity program leading this project suggests that so called less qualified students can succeed in STEM courses at this institution if provided a proper academic environment. The proposed COMPASS Scholars Program tests if this holds true at ‘the bench’ as well. Continuing STEM practices that undervalue and fail to develop untapped talent have clear implications for our failure to meet California’s STEM workforce needs. Additionally, as advances are made in stem cell research and its application to precision medicine, so too does the potential of widening disparities in health care. The investment of CIRM funds in the COMPASS Research Training Initiative has the potential to benefit California not only by increasing the number of qualified stem cell researchers, but by giving voice to the diversity of backgrounds, and cultural and community perspectives these scientists represent to address the health care challenges of our diverse state. (2213/3000 characters)