Programs and Benefits

The Office for Diversity in Science Training (ODST) coordinates four University of Kansas / Haskell Indian Nations University minority student programs that are sponsored by grants from the National Institutes of Health, Institute of General Medical Sciences.

KU/Haskell 500 Nations Bridge Collaboration (Bridge)

The 500 Nations Bridge Program provides opportunities for students from Haskell Indian Nations University that facilitate their transition from Haskell to other universities, and thereby increases the number of students who complete degrees in the biomedical sciences. The program provides research experiences within laboratories of KU faculty. Students who are accepted into the program must be seeking an undergraduate degree in the biomedical sciences and have an interest in pursuing a career in biomedical research.

Two students working in a laboratory on their research experiment

KU Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)

The MARC and pre-MARC programs provide support for undergraduate students from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, and who are interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. Major components of the program include mentored student research experiences, enhancement programs in introductory science and math courses, enrichment activities such as group seminars, faculty and peer mentoring, and attendance at scientific meetings.

Group picture of the attendees of the 2019 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students

KU Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)

KU PREP recruits talented students who have completed their baccalaureate degree from Haskell, KU, or elsewhere. These post-baccalaureate scholars complete a program of research, coursework and professional development that will prepare them to become highly competitive applicants to graduate school in biomedical disciplines.

Student working on their research project in a laboratory

BioGEM Postbaccalaureate Research Program

The BioGEM program provides financial support for recent college graduates who have limited or no prior research experience, prioritizing groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Scholars engage in interdisciplinary projects that study how organisms, populations and species respond to their past and present environment and how genetic mechanisms equip organisms to respond to future environmental change.

Researcher holding tray of items above their head while walking through a corridor of collections cabinets in KU's Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum.

KU/Haskell Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA)

The IRACDA program provides three years of support to postdoctoral fellows in various health-related research fields, preparing fellows for research and teaching careers in academia. The goals of the program are to enhance research skills by providing mentored research experiences while developing teaching skills through assignments that promote the advancement of under represented minorities. The IRACDA fellows conduct research at KU and become involved with teaching students from Haskell Indian Nations University.

Postdoctoral fellow using a computer to work on their research project in a laboratory

KU Peer-Led Undergraduate Supplements (PLUS)

The Peer-Led Undergraduate Supplement sessions are specifically designed to bridge gaps between teaching and learning. These sessions are coupled with interactive exercises that reinforce lecture materials in a small group setting, and are open to all students enrolled in the course. Those who regularly attend this free academic support activity perform better than the class average. Please come to any discussion section that fits your schedule. The sessions are free!

Students attending a Peer-Led group session