Evaluation of a mentorship matchmaking event at an academic research institution to reinforce the scientific workforce pathway for underrepresented minority groups.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mentorship and research experiences are crucial for STEMM career entry and advancement. However, systemic barriers have excluded people from historically underrepresented groups.

Methods

In 2021, a virtual "matchmaking event" was held to connect NIH-funded research mentors with historically underrepresented trainees and initiate mentored research experiences. Survey data collected over 12 months was analyzed to evaluate the program's success considering the number of mentor-trainee connections, mentor-trainee research experience matches, and NIH diversity supplement application status. Statistical tests, including student's t-test, ANCOVAs, and chi-square tests, evaluated differences between attendee groups and survey time points.

Results

Out of 314 mentors

SUBMITTER: Gutierrez S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11744948 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature