First DIRECT Graduate Student Cohort Thrives with Support

The National Institutes of Health awarded the university a T32 Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement grant in June to help support and train graduate students from groups underrepresented in STEM fields. The funding - $2,146,821 over five years – comes from the NIH's National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

"It is incredibly rewarding to witness the growth and success of our first cohort," said Marie Barnard, associate professor of pharmacy administration and one of the project's principal investigators. "This program is designed to provide not just financial support, but a sense of belonging and empowerment.

"By offering robust resources and professional development, we are equipping the next generation of scientists with the tools they need to excel, both in academia and in the broader biomedical workforce." 

The NIH award benefits multiple departments across Ole Miss, including programs in the School of Pharmacy, College of Liberal Arts and School of Applied Sciences.

Eli Johnson, a Columbia native pursuing a doctoral degree in biological sciences, said being part of the inaugural cohort has allowed him to serve as an example to others from similar backgrounds.

"I come from a rural community where STEM careers are vastly underrepresented, with an even smaller amount of these people being Ph.D. holders," Johnson said. "Being selected for this program allows me to be a representative of this group and to stand as living proof to others like me that a career in science is possible, no matter your circumstances."

The program supports three doctoral students per year, with each student receiving support for three years 

"It means a lot to know that people who have never really met you are willing to invest in your success," said Alysha Hunter, of Nesbit, who is pursuing a doctorate in chemistry. "I feel like I have this new family that is supporting me.

"DIRECT has made sure that we know what resources are available to us and that we take advantage of them. Everyone has moments of self-doubt and this journey is still scary, but DIRECT has made it less terrifying."

The goal of DIRECT is to develop scientists with technical, operational and professional skills required to conduct health-related research in an ethically responsible and rigorous manner. It also provides students with knowledge and skills needed for careers in the biomedical workforce.

"Being part of a program specifically designed to enhance professional development through academic training has been a transformative experience," said Candace Bolden, of Crawford, who is pursuing a doctorate in nutrition and hospitality management.

"It has equipped me with the tools to apply my academic expertise more effectively in professional settings. There's truly nothing else like it on campus for Ph.D. students; a unique opportunity that stands apart in its ability to bridge the gap between academic rigor and professional readiness."

Johnson echoed Bolden's sentiment.

"The DIRECT program has allowed me to quickly develop valuable skills that go beyond the lab setting and extend into the professional world," Johnson said. "The program has shown me alternative ways of approaching complex issues and introduced me to new perspectives that I otherwise would struggle to be exposed to."

The inaugural cohort reached its first milestone over the summer, completing a summer bridge program designed to help incoming trainees transition into graduate education.

The students visited with campus leadership and department chairs; became acquainted with resources such as the Graduate Writing Center, Career Center and health care services; engaged in academic, research and career skill development; and participated in one-on-one meetings with mentors and near-peer mentors.

"The first semester of graduate school can be incredibly overwhelming," said Melissa King, DIRECT program manager and a member of the pharmacy school team that worked to secure the program. "Participating in the summer bridge allows trainees time to process new surroundings, campus and local resources, build relationships and a support network before being immersed in graduate courses."

The other principal investigators for the project are Soumyajit Majumdar, professor of pharmaceutics and drug delivery, and Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for access, opportunity and community engagement.