KU News Release

KU receives NIH grant to support mentored research program

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Office for Diversity in Science Training has received a two-year $574,000 Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program grant from the National Institutes of Health Minority Opportunities in Research Program.

The PREP grant provides support for up to two years of mentored research experience and additional training to up to six recent graduates of KU or Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence. This month, KU’s first PREP scholars begin preparing for graduate school in a science-related field.

The PREP program seeks to increase the diversity of students entering graduate programs in the biomedical sciences. Participants receive post-baccalaureate educational experiences designed to enhance their competitiveness for graduate school.

“We are particularly pleased that this program is now available to KU and Haskell students as our office works to increase the diversity of students entering biomedical research careers,” said James A. Orr, chair of KU’s Division of Biological Sciences.

In addition to the newly funded PREP program, the Office of Diversity in Science Training manages several NIH-funded training grants that seek to increase the diversity of students entering science research careers. Undergraduate research experiences for KU students are supported through the Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity program and for Haskell students through the 500 Nations Bridges to the Future program.

KU’s first PREP scholars are listed below by hometown, parents’ names (when available), undergraduate degree, plan for graduate study, KU mentor and high school (when available). Mentor assignments will be completed after the spring term begins Friday, Jan. 19.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Overland Park (66213)
Vara Aziz, daughter of Tariq and Shahnaz Aziz, received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from KU in fall 2005. Vara plans to pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering. Stevin H. Gehrke, professor of chemical and petroleum engineering, will be her mentor. She is a Blue Valley Northwest High School graduate.

From Lenexa (66215)
Jennifer Dianne Hood, daughter of Kathy Pierce, graduated in fall 2006 from KU with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She was a participant in the Bioscience Initiative Program at KU, conducted summer research in Germany and plans to apply to Teach for America before beginning her graduate career. She is a Shawnee Mission South High School graduate.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Eric J. Benavidez, son of Salvador and Adela Benavidez, graduated in fall 2006 from KU with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics. Erik Van Vleck, professor of mathematics, will mentor the former McNair scholar and Math Club president. He is a graduate of Shawnee Heights Senior High School.

NEW MEXICO
From Fruitland
Becky Begay received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Haskell Indian Nations University in 2006. She has participated in multiple ecological research projects through Haskell and KU, and was president of the Haskell Ecology Club. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in environmental science and assist Native American communities in conservation, restoration and protection of tribal lands.

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