Rethinking the postdoctoral training experience: Fellowships In Research and Science Teaching (FIRST)

Abstract

FIRST is a collaborative project in postdoctoral training at Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. FIRST is funded as part of the Institutional Research and Career Development Awards in the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to promote research‐oriented teaching at minority‐serving institutions (MSIs) and enhance research skills in developing scientists. FIRST was developed to foster cross‐institutional relationships and increase the number of underrepresented minorities in life sciences careers. FIRST is distinct in that it combines outstanding postdoctoral training at a top‐tier research institution with a mentored undergraduate teaching experience at an MSI. Fellows benefit from this approach where they develop broad skills in two complementary and critical aspects of the academic environment. Compared to traditional postdocs, the over 100 current and former FIRST fellows publish at a similar rate as their peers, are more successful in obtaining permanent academic positions, especially at MSIs, and receive equivalent external funding. Finally, the program fosters a supportive social and intellectual network of scholars during and beyond the three years of the fellowship, while providing strong role models for young African‐Americans in the formative years of their science education.