Training Program

The IRACDA training program consists of:

• An intense research experience at one of two University of Minnesota Medical School campuses
• A teaching experience at a participating academic institution serving disadvantaged students
• Multiple professional development opportunities at the University of Minnesota among other places.

IRACDA scholar program goals:

• Develop research, laboratory, and publishing capabilities
• Become experienced in academic scientific course design and presentation methods
• Learn ways to successfully mentor and be mentored in an academic environment
• Develop themselves as competitive candidates for academic careers

The IRACDA program focuses mostly on research and laboratory experience over a three-year period. The teaching component is shorter in duration, and the timing and placement for teaching responsibilities may vary based on the scholar’s interests.

Academic Home

The academic home for the IRACDA since 2007, the University of Minnesota has a reputation of excellence in basic sciences research and medical provider preparation. Resources have increased recently with the Biomedical Discovery District as well as organization and staff changes at the Duluth campus.

• Learn more about the Duluth campus
• Learn more about the Twin Cities campus

Research

Research efforts start with finding a mentor for the scholar. Work relates to experiences in the laboratory, interacting with students, being a team member, and publishing results of the research.

Scholars are quickly immersed in the mentor’s research lab. Being an active member of the laboratory, and becoming familiar with the mentor’s grants and research will enhance the independent research ideas the scholar wants to pursue.

A research contract is provided to scholars and mentors that outlines expectations of the commitment, with special attention given to the first-year transition into the program.

Teaching

Teaching experience is completed at the community college level at one of the participating academic institutions below. The scholar is encouraged to create or update an innovative science course that encourages disadvantaged students to consider sciences as a career path.

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

Recognized by the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities, FDLTCC was established in 1987 as a two-year college providing various associate degrees.

American Indians account for 28 percent of the current enrollment of 1,100 students. Science courses providing teaching experiences for postdoctoral trainees including:

• Fundamentals of Biology
• Microbiology
• Botany
• Zoology
• Cell Biology
• General Biology I and II
• Forensics

Find out more

Lake Superior College

A two-year school formed in 1995, LSC’s goal is to provide initial training for students to complete their bachelor’s degrees at a partnering institution.

Current enrollment is 5,000 students with 5 percent being minorities and the dominant minority is American Indian/Alaska Native. The school is considered an institution with a historical commitment to serving disadvantaged students based on its unique service to a dramatically underrepresented minority group, American Indians.

Find out more