The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) SEA-PHAGES program represents a transformative approach to undergraduate education, emphasizing discovery-based learning through a two-semester sequence of undergraduate research experiences. Participation in inclusive research education communities such as SEA-PHAGES has found profound impacts on students' sense of belonging, persistence, success, and agency in science. The SEA-PHAGES program demonstrates that engagement in authentic scientific research fosters a stronger connection to the scientific community, enhances retention in STEM disciplines, and cultivates essential skills and self-efficacy. The SEA-PHAGES project highlights the importance of undergraduate research in democratizing science and shaping the next generation of scientists and an inclusive scientific workforce.
