Bennett College has announced its selection as a partner institution in the Duke University Medical Center’s Black or African-American Research Training Pathway to Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences program. The National Institutes of Health funded the 15-month initiative. It aims to provide Black students with hands-on research training, professional development, and essential social support, paving the way for successful biomedical careers.

The BAA-POCS program is set to launch in January 2025. The program is an integral part of efforts to address disparities within the biomedical field by enhancing access for Black students pursuing careers in the specialized areas of otolaryngology and communication sciences. Under this partnership, Bennett College students will collaborate directly with faculty mentors at Duke. They will immerse in rigorous training that prepares them for advanced studies in medicine or research-based graduate programs.

Designed With Diversity In Mind

The initiative was designed by Dr. Dennis Frank-Ito from DUMC’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating and sustaining Black student representation in the biomedical sciences. “We recognize the importance of relationship and identity building for students of color pursuing biomedical fields, which is why BAA-POCS emphasizes both rigorous academic preparation and mentorship,” said Dr. Frank-Ito. “Through partnerships with institutions like Bennett College, we aim to create sustained pathways to careers that have historically underrepresented Black professionals.”

At Bennett College, the program will be led by assistant professors of biology, Dr. Alex Jordan and Professor Candice Young. As program liaisons they will identify the first cohort of students to enter the program in the summer of 2025. This inaugural group will engage in research projects, skill-building workshops, and other activities aimed at enhancing their readiness for competitive medical and graduate programs.

“We are thrilled to partner with Duke University Medical Center on a program that aligns with Bennett’s commitment to advancing the representation of Black women in STEM,” said Professor Young. “Our students will gain invaluable research experience and mentorship, setting a strong foundation for their future careers,” added Dr. Jordan.