Abstract
I am a first-generation, Black college graduate who learned later in my career of the importance of starting research and scholarly work earlier in a career, so you are not playing catch-up. I began an undergraduate research program for diverse undergraduate students with this in mind.
One big challenge includes accessibility at an institution that wants to create more inclusive environments, but may lack the structure, funds, and tools it needs to create this type of environment. The Undergraduate Underrepresented Research Program (UURP) was developed after beginning my newly appointed tenure-track position at a predominantly white institution. I’d hoped to create more of an inclusive environment, engage undergraduate students in research, and build research and scholarly interest in undergraduates and underserved populations. This paper will provide a short background of my own experience and demonstrate how we created new opportunities for undergraduates to learn skills, do research and scholarship work, and potentially get published. The background need for more underserved populations in research and scholarship, the basic program guidelines that have a priority for underserved diverse groups but is open to all interested in research and scholarship program, and the challenges faced by our team.
Recommended Citation
Gray, Marzell I. and Gray, Jazmyn
(2024)
"Diversity in Undergraduate Research & Scholarship: A First Generation’s Vision,"
Survive & Thrive: A Journal for Medical Humanities and Narrative as Medicine: Vol. 9:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/survive_thrive/vol9/iss1/6