Bennett College Partners with Duke University on NIH-Funded Research Training Pathway to Prepare Black Students for Careers in Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences
Greensboro, NC – Bennett College announces its selection as a partner institution in Duke University Medical Center’s (DUMC) Black or African-American Research Training Pathway to Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences (BAA-POCS) program. This transformative, 15-month initiative, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will provide students with hands-on research training, professional development, and social support designed to equip them for successful careers in biomedicine.
Set to launch in January 2025, the BAA-POCS program is part of a larger effort to address disparities in the biomedical field by increasing access for Black students pursuing careers in otolaryngology and communication sciences. This partnership will see Bennett College students work directly with Duke faculty mentors, receiving rigorous training and preparation for advanced studies in medicine or research-based graduate programs.
Dr. Dennis Frank-Ito of DUMC’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, along with his colleagues, designed BAA-POCS to cultivate and sustain Black student representation in the biomedical sciences. The program fosters relationship-building and identity reinforcement alongside academic readiness, creating a holistic approach to professional development.
“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,” Dr. Frank-Ito explained. “Through partnerships with institutions like Bennett College, we aim to create sustained pathways to careers that have historically underrepresented Black professionals.”
At Bennett College, Assistant Professors of Biology, Dr. Alex Jordan and Professor Candice Young, will serve as program liaisons. Their role will include identifying the first cohort of Bennett students who will enter the BAA-POCS program in summer 2025. This cohort will participate in research projects, skill-building workshops, and other activities that enhance their preparedness 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.
Through this collaboration, Bennett College and Duke University seek to create a sustainable impact on the future of Black biomedical professionals, expanding opportunities and inspiring a new generation of leaders in otolaryngology and communication sciences.
For further information on the BAA-POCS program, visit the Duke Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences press release.
