BRE-SPAD at the University of Minnesota Duluth

We propose to enhance the biomedical research environment of northern Minnesota by fostering meaningful ties between the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) and Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College (FDLTCC). While there have been isolated collaborative research efforts between faculty at the two institutions, there has not been a sustained foundation on which to build continuing research ties. Therefore, the goal of this proposed BRE-SPAD project is to create an environment that fosters cross-institutional collaboration and enhances biomedical research, focusing on research experiences for undergraduate students and professional development and pilot funding for faculty. To accomplish this, we will undertake activities in three areas: 1) increasing sponsored project administrative support at both institutions; 2) enhancing research environments by creating shared programs for faculty professional development and student research training; and 3) developing targeted pilot grants to foster expansion of biomedical research. We propose hiring a 1.0 FTE grant administrator at UMD who will devote 25% of their time to providing pre-award support to FDLTCC faculty, leading to a 25% net increase in sponsored programs personnel support for each institution. More broadly, we intend to develop ties between sponsored project offices at the two institutions, with joint staff meetings and coordination of professional development, with the goal of creating a cohesive community that is well-suited to support the needs of the faculty. Student research training will enhance campus research environments by broader implementation of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). This proven high-impact practice provides students with authentic research experiences by integrating research directly into regular coursework. This allows for large-scale participation, collaborative learning, and a structured approach to conducting research. Our intent is to leverage UMD’s expertise with CUREs in the Swenson College of Science & Engineering to expand CUREs implementation at FDLTCC and in UMD’s College of Education & Human Service Professions. Faculty seeking to develop more robust biomedical research programs will have opportunities to join Research Interest Groups (RIGs) that will be aligned with cross-cutting biomedical themes that already exist across UMD and FDLTCC (but have not yet been formalized or recognized). RIGs will receive support to provide forums for seminars, lightning talks, discussions of grant opportunities and research interests, and opportunities for professional development leading toward grant submissions. Ideas developed through participation in RIGS may be further advanced through a program of targeted pilot grants for biomedical research. Overall, these activities are designed to foster robust ties between the two campuses and outcomes—such as research growth and implementation of high impact practices for undergraduates—are well-aligned with the strategic plans of both institutions, indicating long-term support for initiatives developed through this grant. Project Number: 1UC2GM162934-01 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) | Principal Investigator: Erik Brown | Institution: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH, DULUTH, MN | Award Amount: $759,572 | Activity Code: UC2 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 CDB-C (55)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11290125