B2B PDX Metro

Program Summary

B2B PDX Metro is a Bridges to Baccalaureate undergraduate research training program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The program supports historically underrepresented students on their pathway to becoming biomedical researchers.

About the Program

The B2B program is a two-year program that begins during a student's sophomore year at Portland Community College or Clackamas Community College (Year 1) and continues as students transfer to Portland State University for their junior year (Year 2).

B2B trainees receive training to prepare them for a 15 month research placement at PSU. In addition, students receive mentoring, participate in professional development activities, and engage with a broad community of student researchers.

B2B trainees receive a financial package throughout their two years of program participation. This includes:

Monthly stipends (Approx. $1195 for 24 months)
Partial tuition & fee remission
$2,000 to attend scientific conferences
Summer travel costs (e.g., meals, transportation)

For Students

Pre-Program

Summer Research Academy (June)
B2B trainees have a guaranteed spot in CIMR’s Summer Research Academy (SRA) at PSU. SRA engages students interested in community impact through research careers by introducing research opportunities, supporting professional development skills, and connecting to research training and mentoring programs.

B2B Program Year 1 (Fall-Summer)

Academic Year 1: Research Exploration and Planning at the Community College
In the first year of the program (at the community college), students receive foundational training in research skills through professional development workshops and build a supportive network with fellow students, faculty, and staff while preparing to transfer to PSU.
Key activities in this year include:

Peer Mentorship and Support
Faculty Mentorship
Academic Advising
Workshops on navigating college, developing scientific literacy, exploring careers within biomedical research fields, receiving transfer support, gaining professional development skills, and building a support network
Research Matching: Arranging a placement with a research team at PSU based on your specific research interests

Summer Research Experience 1 (SRE 1): Immersion at Portland State University
Trainees immerse themselves in a Research Learning Community (RLC) practicing team science and developing research communication skills. Trainees also attend workshops that help them thrive in research.
Key activities for this summer include:

Faculty and Peer Mentorship
250 hours in a Research Learning Community (RLC)
Workshops on entering the research environment, responsible conduct of research, and research communication
Present research at the Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF)

B2B Program Year 2 (Fall-Summer)

Academic Year 2: Research Integration at Portland State University
After transferring to PSU, trainees will continue research as RLC team members, develop and pursue academic, research, and personal goals, and gain relevant experience for future career success.
Key Activities for this year includes:

Research Experience continues with mentored research in RLC
Workshops focusing on academic and career goal development

Summer Research Experience 2 (SRE 2) at Portland State University
Training experience culminates with intensive work in RLC and career development activities.
Key activities for this summer include:

250 hours in RLC, building on previous experience and gaining advanced research skills
Workshops to refine academic planning, enhance career development, and achieve professional goals
Present research through both poster and oral presentations at the Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF)

For Researchers

B2B Trainees will have 15-month long research placements, completing around 800 research hours.

B2B matches undergraduate trainees to researchers from the Research Learning Community (RLC) pool made up of researchers at Portland State University and Oregon Health & Science University who work with PSU’s Center for Internship, Mentoring, and Research (CIMR).

CIMR RLCs can be matched with students from multiple CIMR research training programs, including B2B, URISE, and more. If you are interested in becoming a CIMR Research Learning Community, please click here.

How to Get Involved:

Host lab tours for B2B trainees
Collaborate with community college faculty to discuss research opportunities
Share your research focus, publications, and team information
Optional: Arrange for undergrad or grad students to be interviewed by trainees.

To become part of a CIMR Research Learning Community or learn more, please email b2b@pdx.edu.

Updated on: October 14, 2024