Indianapolis—Today, the IU School of Health & Human Sciences, on behalf of the IU Indianapolis IPREP program, received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine.
The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
IPREP will be featured, along with 82 other recipients, in the September 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
An acronym for Indiana University Indianapolis Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program, IPREP prepares recent college graduates from underrepresented populations for admission into graduate biomedical sciences programs. Most recently funded by a 2023 $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, the program is led by Rafael Bahamonde, Ph.D., IPREP director and founding dean and professor of kinesiology at the IU School of Health & Human Sciences (SHHS).
“IPREP alumni are doing tremendous work in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, basic sciences, and my field of human performance and kinesiology,” shared Bahamonde. “It’s gratifying to see them grow and succeed in STEM careers, and for our work to help them get there be recognized.”
Janice Blum, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for graduate education at IU Indianapolis, believes the recognition is well-deserved. “The program brings talented fellows with diverse perspectives and experiences to collaborate and prepare for careers as future leaders in science and medicine,” Blum said.
Eight new students representing IU, Arizona State, Purdue, Appalachian State, and North Carolina A&T make up the 2024–25 IPREP cohort. Their interests range from psychology to infectious disease to biomedical engineering.
“Their credentials are impressive,” noted Bahamonde, “and I have no doubt these emerging leaders will make an impact in their chosen professions. I’m humbled to lead a program that brings opportunities to students who otherwise may not continue their academic pursuits.”
As for the award, winners were selected by Insight Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.
Bahamonde nominated the program for consideration this past April, and he and his IPREP faculty colleagues are a testament to these ideals.
“After ten years of offering this opportunity, I’m thrilled for IPREP to be recognized,” said Bahamonde. “I’m thankful to faculty across the university who participate as program mentors, making the program possible. Congratulations to all.”
Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine, believes many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students.
“We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM,” Pearlstein indicated. “We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”