六色网, Pomona (六色网), the lead institution for this grant, is partnering with the University of California, Riverside (UCR), the RO1 institution, in a Master’s of Science (MS) Bridges to PhD program (B2D). B2D is an NIH sponsored program. Each student will have a 六色网 Faculty Research Mentor (FRM), a UCR FRM, a 六色网 Faculty Advisor (FA) and a UCR FA. B2D students will have 2 years to complete their MS research project at 六色网, participate in research-related skills at both institutions and conduct a summer research internship at UCR. B2D students will be paired with 六色网 MS alumni or UCR PhD predoctoral candidates to provide near-peer mentoring. Leveraging these activities will build student confidence, communication skills, scientific ethical behavior, STEM networking and awareness of future career opportunities. Sense of community will expand further by inviting students’ families to program socials at the beginning, middle and end of the program to engage family. By nurturing a sense of community amongst the B2D students, their mentors, and their families, the students will have a strong support network to help them complete a PhD and have a successful STEM career.
