April 3, 2016 | Eliza Folsom

UConn’s Young Innovative Investigator Program Calls for Applicants to Develop and Increase Diversity for the Next Generation of Physician-Scientists

CICATS at UConn is accepting applications for its YIIP Scholars program for the 2016-2017 academic year. The program is aimed at soon to be or recent college graduates. The application submission deadline is Monday, April 25.

CICATS YIIP

CICATS’ Dr. Linda Barry and Dr. Cato Laurencin with the 2014 YIIP inaugural class. Photo (left-right): Melissa Carr-Reynolds, YIIP Scholar; Akilah Plair, YIIP Scholar; Sandra Lopez, YIIP Scholar; Dr. Linda Barry; Dr. Cato Laurencin; Nilse Dos Santos, YIIP Scholar; La Shondra Ellis, YIIP Scholar; Trisha Kwarko, YIIP Scholar.

The Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (CICATS) at UConn, led by Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, continues to support the career development of faculty and students who are interested in furthering their profession in medicine and research.

CICATS has been successful in creating novel pipeline programs, such as the Pre-K, M1 Mentoring and the Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP), that are increasing diversity among academic scientists and physicians and addressing health disparities to improve community health outcomes.

CICATS has announced its call for applications for its second class of YIIP Scholars for the upcoming 2016-2017 academic year. The YIIP application submission deadline is Monday, April 25 with the selected YIIP Scholars being announced in early May. The program is aimed at soon to be or recent college graduates.

YIIP was created in 2013 under the direction of Dr. Linda Barry, assistant professor and assistant director and chief operating officer of CICATS, to provide academic training to underrepresented minority students who are dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists in biological and biomedical sciences. YIIP provides tools for scholars to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical or graduate school.

“CICATS and UConn are very proud of the growth and success that each of our YIIP Scholars have obtained,” said Barry. “​We would like YIIP to become a pipeline for both the UConn medical and graduate schools enabling them to lead in addressing the shortage of underrepresented students in the sciences. Thus, the importance of a second cycle of the program.”

YIIP students have the option to complete the program in one or two years. Upon successful completion of the graduate courses and research at UConn Health in the first year, a YIIP Scholar will obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science from UConn. In year two, YIIP Scholars who meet the academic qualifications and successfully complete the first year may have the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science. By successfully fulfilling the program requirements, YIIP Scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to enter a MD, MD-PhD, or PhD program.

In 2014, a call for applications was made for the inaugural class for YIIP. A large number of applications from across the nation were received.  All applications were screened through a rigorous evaluation and selection process by an advisory committee comprised of highly accomplished faculty members from UConn and UConn Health.

Six YIIP Scholars comprise the 2014 inaugural class. Currently, all the YIIP Scholars have remained in the program for two terms in order to receive a Master degree.  They have presented at several national meetings and received many awards. They all will be graduating in May 2016 with a Master in Biomedical Science, following a thesis defense at UConn Health. In addition, several YIIP Scholars are currently interviewing at competitive medical schools.

“The inaugural class of YIIP Scholars has learned from and worked with top scientists who are pioneers in their field, and they have engaged in a number of transformative research projects,” said Laurencin. “I strongly believe that the YIIP program, coupled with the commitment and drive of our scholars, has provided them the opportunity to make footprints towards their future in becoming the next generation of scientists and physicians.”

YIIP Scholar
YIIP Scholar, Trisha Kwarko, presenting her research poster at the 12th American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Annual Meeting on Oct. 9, 2015 in Seattle, Wash.

YIIP Scholar Trisha Kwarko echoed Laurencin’s remarks, saying: “When I reflect on the past two years since graduating from UConn, I cannot think of doing anything besides the YIIP program. I have experienced academic, professional, and personal growth through the graduate courses I have taken, my basic science research experience, and relating with my research mentors to achieve my goals. One outcome that attests to my positive experience in YIIP is improving my MCAT score through coaching with Dr. Elaine Lee, and numerous medical school interviews, including at UConn School of Medicine.”

Kwarko adds: “This program has left a unique imprint on my journey to a medical career. I am grateful for the opportunity.​”

For more information about YIIP and to apply, visit here or contact Lana Angelo, YIIP Program Coordinator at: langelo@uchc.edu.