The Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Program is a structured biomedical research-training program for underrepresented minorities and women who desire to pursue a career in biomedical and behavioral research. The RISE Programs, funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH/NIGMS), were initiated in 1972.
The Spelman College RISE Program (NIH Award # 5R25GM060566) was established in 2000. Dr. Dolores Bradley Brennan, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, has been PI (Program Director) since 2005. Dr. A. Nayena Blankson joined as co-PI (Program Director) in 2018.
The purpose of RISE Program is to increase the interest, skills, and competitiveness of undergraduate students for careers in biomedical research. Our program offers support for student development activities, which include seminars, critical thinking modules, on- and off-campus research experiences, and travel to scientific meetings. The measurable goal of the Spelman College RISE program is to increase the number of graduates admitted to academic graduate programs leading to a Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences. Upper class (returning) Scholars participate in our Research Development Program. First year students or students who are new to the program participate in our FIRST Program.
Students choose to come to Spelman College because we invest in our students and put them first. The Spelman RISE program is determined to equip our young ladies with the skills needed to change the world by immersing them in an interdisciplinary research community that will make them more competitive for admission into top tier Ph.D. programs. With this training, they can bring unique perspectives to the treatment, prevention, and eradication of disease, as women of African descent.
We are committed to training students from diverse backgrounds, including students with disabilities.