What is the mission of the NIH G-RISE Program?

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The goal of the Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (G-RISE) program is to develop a diverse pool of scientists earning a Ph.D., who have the skills to successfully transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce. The G-RISE Program is a collaboration between ODU Center for Bioelectronics, Graduate School, and the STEM  Colleges to support and retain exceptional minority students in the biomedical research-related programs.

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What does it mean to you to be a G-RISE Scholar?

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To be a "G-RISE Scholar" means to be the first of many to make a significant impact in the biomedical field. As a scientist earning a Ph.D. in Computer Science, I desire to learn more about how to develop interdisciplinary research, techniques, and collaborations between my industry and the field of Biomedical Sciences. As a G-Rise Scholar, I desire to set the bar for what the potential of this program can be designed to offer and contribute to STEM, academia, and my community. I believe wholeheartedly that making a way for my identity as an underrepresented minority to shine and illuminate the possibility for others who look like me to pursue similar endeavors is one of the main purposes in being a G-RISE Scholar.

 

REFLECTING BACK

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• ​What significant challenges did you encounter throughout your G-RISE courses and related experiences? How did you overcome these challenges?

  • ​The main challenge I experienced was the learning curve in navigating course material & research related to biology and chemistry respectively. I have mainly a more technical background in Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, and Information Systems. Therefore, this transition to Biomedical Sciences was always going to be a challenge but I know I am more than capable of learning what is necessary and more so applicable to be able to communicate with my colleagues in these disciplines.

 

• What significant successes did you have during your G-RISE courses and related experiences?

  • ​To overcome these challenges, I have sought supplemental instruction and guidance from my instructors from the G-RISE Doctoral Bridge Program, and with their help, I have been able to develop a plan of action to learn what is necessary for me to become more familiar with relevant aspects of biology and chemistry that are applicable to my research. 

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• What contributed to your successes?

  • The contributions to my success were mainly my cohort with Alexis, Kayah, Shaquwanna, and Chris because without them I would not have preserved as easily through this bridge program. Nevertheless, I would also account for the faculty and graduate students who took the time to share their lived experiences in working both at Old Dominion and in the completion of their degrees/research respectively.

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• How do you see all of your specific G-RISE experiences connecting to one another?

  • ​The main success was completing the G-RISE Doctoral Bridge Program as this was not an easy task to endure while simultaneously completing research conferences, professional skill development boot camps, and etc. through the support of the UMBC McNair Scholars Program. More specifically, I believe I have had some really great first exposure to skills in conflict resolution, grant writing best practices, and fostering meaningful relationships with faculty here at Old Dominion University.

 

LOOKING FORWARD

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• What are your professional, personal, and/or educational goals after graduation?

  • ​My professional goals after graduation would be to apply and accept a Post Doctorate Training position in order to acquire additional special training and make a transition into academia for the tenure faculty career track.

  • My personal goals are to relocate with my partner who is also obtaining her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and transition from being in our long-distance relationship.

  • My educational goals are to improve in my experimental design, statistical analysis, and writing grant proposals. I have developed an Individual Development Plan through participating in this bridge program and have been able to identify additional educational skills that I will be working towards honing.

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• How have experiences within G-RISE prepared you to achieve your goals after graduation? Use specific examples.

  • ​The Coffe Chat with Provost and Vice President Dr. Austin Agho during this bridge program prepared me by outlining a career trajectory that I can plan to achieve in fulfilling my professional goals after graduation.​​​

  • ​The Induction Ceremony for this bridge program provided the opportunity for my partner to experience the beginning of my Ph.D. program here at Old Dominion and so we are grateful to both be in a position to be working towards achieving our terminal degrees at the same time.

  • A component of the Responsible Conduct of Research course of this bridge program introduced the myIDP platform for scientists which prepared me by helping to assess my skillsets, values, and interests necessary to successfully pursue my Ph.D. in Computer Science.

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