KU News Release

LAWRENCE — The National Institutes of Health has renewed a $1.14 million grant to a collaborative program between the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University that provides research experiences for Haskell students at KU laboratories.

The NIH grant was renewed for five years to support the 500 Nations/Bridges to the Baccalaureate program. It is one of five programs housed within KU’s Office for Diversity in Science Training, directed by James Orr, professor of molecular biosciences.

Orr also is the program director for the Bridge grant. Marigold Linton, KU’s director for American Indian outreach, is co-investigator for the grant. Estela Gavosto, KU associate professor of mathematics, is the associate director of the Office for Diversity in Science Training.

“Since our program began, 82 Haskell students have participated in the Bridge program,” Orr said. “These students have had continued academic success, earning baccalaureate and graduate degrees in a variety of biomedical programs, including pharmacy, social welfare and public health. It is only with NIH support that we can provide opportunities for these talented students who are planning careers in biomedical research and are underrepresented in their fields.”

Gavosto added that 12 students from the Bridges to the Baccalaureate program will be honored Sept. 9 at the annual welcome reception hosted by the Office for Diversity in Science Training.

Bridges to the Baccalaureate provides research opportunities for students from Haskell that facilitate their transitions to other universities, increasing the number of students who complete degrees in the biomedical sciences. 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.

The undergraduate research experience takes an interdisciplinary approach to placing Bridge scholars into one of 80 KU labs and provides opportunities for students to share their research results at local and national meetings.