“Significant gaps remain in the efficiency and equity of microbiology education and preparation” “A multi-faceted solution includes monetary support and inter-institutional partnerships to increase funding dedicated to research programs at under-resourced institutions with a focus on scholarships and stipends for under-represented students.” “To drive innovation, it is vital to enable undergraduate and graduate students at all universities and colleges, not just resource-rich institutions, to engage in inclusive, high-impact research” “Two key ingredients that, when incorporated in a pathway program, can facilitate the successful recruitment, retention, and eventual success of students in STEM – (i) equitable exposure to high-impact research experiences, and (ii) ‘up-to-the-minute’ programmatic instruction.” Phage pathways aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists at the intersection of microbial ecology and renewable energy