Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)Funded via a training grant awarded to UNC by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health.. The primary goal of this initiative is to strengthen research training environments and promote broader participation in the biomedical research workforce by supporting the development of biomedical PhD students, especially students from under-resourced backgrounds, and their successful transition to bioscience careers. Our IMSD program provides graduate students with academic enrichment, a supportive community, and professional development opportunities that enhance success in their PhD training and make them highly competitive for the postdoctoral positions and scientific careers of their choice.