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Rethinking the postdoctoral training experience: Fellowships In Research and Science Teaching (FIRST)
Author(s) -
Mercante Jeffrey,
Ricks Ernest,
Eisen Arri,
Haynes John K,
Eaton Douglas
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.719.13
Subject(s) - formative assessment , medical education , atlanta , institution , undergraduate research , psychology , sociology , pedagogy , medicine , social science , metropolitan area , pathology
FIRST is a collaborative project in postdoctoral training at Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. FIRST is funded as part of the Institutional Research and Career Development Awards in the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to promote research‐oriented teaching at minority‐serving institutions (MSIs) and enhance research skills in developing scientists. FIRST was developed to foster cross‐institutional relationships and increase the number of underrepresented minorities in life sciences careers. FIRST is distinct in that it combines outstanding postdoctoral training at a top‐tier research institution with a mentored undergraduate teaching experience at an MSI. Fellows benefit from this approach where they develop broad skills in two complementary and critical aspects of the academic environment. Compared to traditional postdocs, the over 100 current and former FIRST fellows publish at a similar rate as their peers, are more successful in obtaining permanent academic positions, especially at MSIs, and receive equivalent external funding. Finally, the program fosters a supportive social and intellectual network of scholars during and beyond the three years of the fellowship, while providing strong role models for young African‐Americans in the formative years of their science education.