Program Goals

PREP at the University of Rochester has three specific objectives:

1. To create a supportive, productive, and exciting environment, in which trainees will conduct outstanding biomedical research under the supervision of a program faculty member. This will be achieved by bringing together a highly interactive and experienced group of well-funded faculty focused on the advancement of students from historically underrepresented groups in biomedical research trainees.
    
2. To provide high quality educational opportunities that will prepare trainees for future doctoral studies. To this end, each trainee will work on an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. In addition, an individual plan of study will be developed for each PREP participant, tailored specifically to meet the individual needs of that trainee. This will include a small number of carefully selected courses, designed to allow trainees to (a) receive necessary instruction in specific skills/areas, (b) demonstrate their academic preparedness for doctoral studies, and (c) to gain academic credit towards the Ph.D. at the University of Rochester.
    
3. To create a highly enriched learning environment, with strong peer support. Enrichment activities will include instruction in scientific communication skills, attendance at national scientific meetings, participation in an annual retreat/symposium, and the opportunity to select, invite and meet with extramural seminar speakers. Finally, scholars will be provided with opportunities for social interaction and networking, and they will have access to peer mentors for collegiality, collaborations and, if needed, personal tutoring.