Educational Outcomes from MARC Undergraduate Student Research Training

Abstract

The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program is one of several initiatives from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) designed to support undergraduate students from underrepresented groups to improve their preparation for doctoral research degrees and the biomedical workforce. Trainees must be honors students majoring in the natural sciences planning to pursue a research doctorate in the biomedical sciences. Each institution designs its own two-year program of academic, research and professional development and all programs must provide trainees with a summer research experience at a research-intensive institution outside the home institution. A recent analysis of multisite outcomes indicates that MARC alumni achieve their educational goals. There was substantial variability in outcomes at different institutions, but overall, among recent alumni, 29.2% earned a Ph.D., 11.7% earned an M.D., and another 25.8% completed or are enrolled in other advanced degrees.