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case western reserve university

GRADUATE EDUCATION
 

PREP PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Goals and Objectives
  1. Socialize Scholars to the research environment: Direct laboratory research and mentoring will convey the culture of science and its rewards, increase understanding of research process, and increase identity with the profession.
  2. Improve academic preparedness: Coursework, tutoring, and workshops will address educational needs.
  3. Provide a foundation for student success: Access to a diverse and supportive network of student groups and programs, including the SOM Minority Graduate Student Organization, will foster a sense of community and provide additional avenues of connection.
  4. Enhance professional development and communication and technology skills: Participation in research forums institutionally and nationally and workshops on communication and technology literacies will supply the future tools needed for success.
Orientation
Individual orientation sessions will be held with key PREP contacts, including:
  • Alison K. Hall, PhD, who serves as the Program Director. Dr. Hall is the Director of Graduate Education at the School of Medicine and has an active research program in Neurosciences. She has extensive experience training high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as teachers in laboratory research, and she has been active nationally in fostering neuroscience education.
  • Joseph T. Williams, MPA, who serves as the PREP Coordinator. Mr. Williams is the Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the School of Medicine and has a long-standing commitment to the development of underrepresented minority students in medical sciences.
During these orientation sessions, the unique needs and goals of each Scholar will be identified. Specifically, the following questions will be addressed:
  1. What additional coursework is needed to augment the Scholar's record?
  2. Are there new areas of interest?
  3. Is a GRE prep course appropriate?
  4. What other unique issues need to be addressed to ensure an optimal experience?
Symposia and Meetings
Scholars have the opportunity to present their research and attend national meetings throughout the PREP. Each year, a half-day symposium will be held for the Scholars to present their work to each other and their mentors. An ad hoc faculty committe will provide feedback to all scholars on the effectiveness of their presentations.

Travel funds will also be available for Scholars to attend one meeting per year, ideally where they would be presenting their own research. Following each trip, all Scholars will attend a debriefing meeting where attendees will summarize highlights of the research presented.