The mission of PRIME-PREP is to provide individuals from diverse backgrounds the skills, confidence, and experience necessary to thrive as scientists or clinician-scientists by preparing them to be competitive PhD or MD-PhD candidates. In doing so, we ultimately strive to enhance innovation in biomedical science and promote health equity. All participants must be within 36 months of graduating from an undergraduate institution at the time of enrolling in PRIME-PREP. Duke PRIME-PREP provides focused research training opportunities for students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in science and medicine. In this NIH-funded program, we work closely with recent post-baccalaureate students to provide them with the skills necessary to excel in graduate training programs in the life sciences. Our goal is to equip those with the desire and motivation to become the next generation of life science researchers with the credentials required to achieve this.
Program activities include:
- 75% an immersive mentored research experience
- 25% Career development (e.g., journal clubs, CV workshops, personal statement review, etc.) and social activities
The program lasts 1 year and occurs annually. Class size is 4-9 students per year.
ELIGIBILITY. This program is for…
- Undergraduate Students who have completed a degree within 36 months of starting the program. Non-Duke students are eligible.
The program encourages applications from individuals who identify as belonging to any of the following groups:
- Communities that are historically underrepresented in STEM, biomedical sciences, or medical fields
- Historically or socioeconomically disadvantaged
- Black or African American
- Hispanic, Latino/a, or of Spanish origin
- Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
- American Indian/Native American
- Alaska Native
- First-generation
- Low-income
- People with disabilities
- Rural communities
For questions, contact Hallie Davis Penders (hallie.davis.penders@duke.edu).
PROGRAM SUPPORT
This program was established in 2022 and is housed within Duke University School of Medicine. This program is funded by an NIH R25 grant awarded to Dr. Gerry Blobe and the Duke University School of Medicine.
For questions about funding and other forms of support for this program, contact program leadership:
- Hallie Davis Penders, Program Administrator (hallie.davis.penders@duke.edu)
- Gerry Blobe MD, PhD, Program Director (gerard.blobe@duke.edu)
- Katie Dickerson PhD, Administrative Leadership Team Member (kd120@duke.edu)
- Johnna Frierson PhD, Administrative Leadership Team Member (johnna.frierson@duke.edu)
- Robert Bastidas PhD, Administrative Leadership Team Member (robert.bastidas@duke.edu)
