FAMU Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training in the Biomedical Sciences Program Receives 5-Year Funding

The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training in the Biomedical Sciences Program, a renowned initiative to attract underrepresented learners to pursue careers in the biomedical sciences, has recently received funding for five years. This program, which is part of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Division within the FAMU College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science, Institute of Public Health, aims to cultivate and increase the number of qualified underrepresented learners from Tallahassee Community College (TCC) who aspire to obtain a four-year degree in biomedical sciences from FAMU.

Under the guidance of Dr. Selina Darling-Reed, the Bridges Principle Investigator, and Mr. Anthony Jones, Bridges Co-PI and Associate VP for Academic Affairs at Tallahassee Community College, the program has already begun making a significant impact. The first cohorts of four learners started their eight-week summer research experience on May 15th, which will run until July 7th. This experience provides participants with valuable academic skills, research exposure, and a support network to ensure successful careers in biomedical sciences.

The Bridges Program, funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), represents a strong collaboration between FAMU and TCC. Over the years, this partnership has empowered over 100 learners, who have benefited from the program’s comprehensive support and mentorship.

Mrs. Sharon Arradondo, the Bridges Program Director, highlighted the significance of the program for FAMU and the wider community, remarking, “The Bridges program is crucial for the success of individual learners and contributes to the advancement of biomedical sciences. By attracting and nurturing talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, we create a more inclusive and innovative scientific community.”

The Bridges Programs include Life Sciences (Agronomy, Food, and Animal Sciences); Biology; Chemistry/Biochemistry; Biomedical Engineering; Environmental Health Science, and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers an array of benefits and resources to participants. Learners receive a paid eight-week Summer Research Experience (SRE) at FAMU and a monthly stipend of $1,160 for two years. Additionally, housing assistance is provided during the SRE, and tuition assistance is available for learners pursuing their degrees at FAMU. The program covers all expenses for learners to attend and present their research projects at local and national conferences, facilitating their professional growth.

Beyond financial support, the Bridges Program offers comprehensive academic advisement, pre-admission guidance, and financial aid advisement to ensure learners’ success throughout their educational journey. The program also focuses on developing leadership, interpersonal relations, and public speaking skills and providing curriculum and career planning workshops and seminars.

The five-year funding, which began on August 8, 2022, solidified the Bridges Program and its position as a vital resource for aspiring biomedical scientists at FAMU and TCC. The program’s success stories inspire future generations, proving that with the proper support, underrepresented learners can excel in the field of biomedical sciences.

For more information about the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training in the Biomedical Sciences Program and the Pharmaceutical Sciences Division at FAMU, please contact:

Dr. Selina Darlling-Reed

Mr. Anthony Jones

Mrs. Sharon Arradondo

Email: sharon.arradondo@famu.edu