Undergraduate Research Training Programs at VCU

Click here for a free download of Adobe Reader

Note: each of the programs below has its own application requirements. Please follow the links to determine your possible eligibility and specific contact and application procedures.

The HHMI Science Education and Research Program

Allison Johnson, Coordinator of HHMI Program, Center for the Study of Biological Complexity

VCU is expanding its undergraduate learning and research opportunities by offering transformational undergraduate teaching, training, and research in systems biology. This program builds on our previous successes of VCU Life Sciences in graduate training in systems biology, K12, and community outreach in the broader life sciences. VCU's HHMI Science and Education Program offers three opportunites:

• The Summer HHMI Scholars Program in systems biology
  
• A new broad-based curriculum in systems biology; and
  
• Training of current and future faculty to teach systems biology
  

The goal is to better prepare our undergraduate biology majors in the area of systems biology to include math, computer science, the physical sciences and engineering so they can better compete in 21st century biological and biomedical research.

Click here for information and for the application to the Summer Scholars Program for 2009.

Health Disparities Research Experience

Two undergraduate students will be accepted into the 10-week summer research program, running from June to August. The students will work with a faculty member on an independent research project related to improving birth outcomes for African-American women. The overall goal of the program is to increase the number of health professionals from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. A stipend is provided to participants.

For more information, e-mail COHDTraining@vcu.edu or call (804) 827-0719.

Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be current students that have taken at least two semesters of college courses before beginning the program. At least one lab science class is highly encouraged. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or non-citizen nationals. Proof of citizenship status or resident status will be required before the start of the program.

Application process
The application packet includes a personal statement indicating career goals and aspirations, two letters of recommendation describing the applicant's aptitude in the sciences and an official transcript, if applicable. Applications open on November 15 and close on February 15.

For questions or inquiries, please contact COHDTraining@vcu.edu.

VCU IMSD Scholars Program

The VCU Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity is a biomedical research training program for undergraduate students interested in biomedical research.

VCU-IMSD scholars participate in research internships in the summers following their freshman and sophomore years and during their junior and senior academic years. Scholars also enroll in a series of courses that help develop their skills in biomedical research, critical thinking, problem solving, and written and oral communication. The VCU-IMSD program also offers specialized career counseling, assistance with graduate school applications, and a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation course, as well as the opportunity to attend national scientific conferences. Paid research internships are available for select scholars.

The VCU-IMSD application packet includes an online application, two reference letters from science faculty members and an unofficial VCU academic transcript.

For application information, please contact the VCU-IMSD Scholars Program Coordinator at pipelineapp@vcu.edu or at (804) 827-0982. VCU IMSD Scholars Program

Post-baccalaureate Research Year

The Post-baccalaureate Research Experience Program is a one-year biomedical research training program for recent college graduates from underrepresented groups considering graduate-level training in the biomedical sciences. The program provides scholars with a year-long, paid, mentored research experience and the opportunity to develop technical and critical-thinking skills.

PREP scholars receive competitive stipends in the amount of $20,772 for the year. At the end of the program, they will have the skills needed to successfully compete for admission into a biomedical Ph.D. program at VCU or another institution.

The PREP program requires completion of the online application, two reference letters from faculty members and an official academic transcript from your university or college.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

For application information, please contact the program office at pipelineapp@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0982.

Health Education Research Opportunities (HERO)

This National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood (NHLBI) sponsored program provides 10-week summer research experiences for undergraduate students and first year medical or dental students. Student have the opportunity to work with VCU faculty on research projects in the areas in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. This program provides “hands on” research experiences and career development opportunities for undergraduate students from racial and ethnic minority or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Short-term Educator Program for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP)

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Short-term Educator Program for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) is a 10-week, non-residential program designed to increase the number of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students “in the pipeline” who are committed to a career in biomedical, behavioral, clinical or social sciences research.  These programs provide “hands on” research experience for undergraduate students from racial and ethnic minority or disadvantaged backgrounds.

VCU Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC)

The VCU Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) is designed to provide research training for academically talented VCU juniors and seniors who are interested in biomedical research careers. The MARC program provides a stipend of approximately $11,000 per year and support for about 60 percent of undergraduate tuition. In addition to placements in research laboratories at VCU during the academic year, MARC students are eligible for summer externships at other research-intensive institutions. MARC seeks underrepresented minority students who are African-American, Hispanic American, Native American, economically disadvantaged (Pell grant-eligible) or disabled.

Most MARC scholars are admitted to the program during the fall of their junior year. At that time, they are matched with research mentors and begin their research projects. During the program, students are expected to enroll in BIOL 291 (biomedical research) and a non-credit research colloquium. MARC scholars are expected to spend 15 to 20 hours a week in their research laboratories (actual time varies depending on mentor and project) and to continue their research throughout their junior and senior years. During the summer between the junior and senior years, MARC scholars have the option of continuing in their VCU research laboratories or participating in a research externship at another institution. In addition, they have the opportunity to take a GRE-preparation course and a research process course, as well as receive assistance with preparation of graduate school applications.

Potential applicants to the program are encouraged to participate in research colloquia and summer research experiences before they apply.

Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be VCU juniors or seniors that have four semesters left and must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or non-citizen nationals. Proof of citizenship status or resident status will be required before the start of the program.

Application process
Students should apply using the online application. Students will need to complete a short essay question, turn in two letters of recommendations from faculty members and submit official transcripts from all universities previously attended and unofficial transcripts from VCU. Priority application deadline is February 15.

For questions/ inquiries, please contact COHDTraining@vcu.edu.

NHLBI’s Summer for Sickle Cell Science Program

This eight-week program is designed to support up to 3 High School students per Center, for the Summer to learn, discover and have hands-on experience in a research laboratory environment.  The program is be sponsored by the NHLBI, NIH.  Participating applicants will be awarded a Summer stipend around $3000.00. The goal of this program will be to expose young students to a laboratory research environment in a medical center, to cultivate continued interest in scientific research related to sickle cell disease. 

VCU’s RAMp’s – Reaching Academic Milestones through Participation and Service

Students are engaged in academic enrichment activities such as biochemistry, microbiology, dental instruction, health disparities, ethics and professionalism. Participants will receive grades in the academic courses and a certificate upon completion to the program. An orientation to the dental school is provided and 25 students will be selected. All applicants must have completed three years of college course work, including Organic Chemistry I and II, and have a strong interest in dentistry. Preference is given to those of a disadvantaged (educational, social or economic) background. Applications must be submitted along with an essay, transcripts from all institutions attended and two letters of recommendation.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Pre-College Outreach Initiative

This program is designed to foster children's interest in and knowledge of science and inspire them to consider careers in basic and health sciences through classroom, laboratory and field activities. VCU will develop programs to increase math and science literacy for students in Central Virginia, enhance research and life sciences training for K-12 science teachers and expand Internet-based life sciences videos and lessons to teachers and students nationwide. The initiative includes four major components, including a summer enrichment day camp for elementary school students and a school-year program for middle and high school students to learn about biology, human physiology and careers in medicine and life science research.   This program is housed in Life Sciences.

Summer Residential Governor’s School for Life Sciences and Medicine

High school juniors and seniors spend a total of four weeks at Virginia Commonwealth University discovering the newly emerging fields and advancements that will revolutionize health care and life sciences in the 21st century. Governor’s School students will experience three modules: clinical, molecular and environmental science. For the final week, students will work in groups on a project in one of the three areas. During the four-week program, students and staff live on-site at VCU as they explore and develop ideas and data together.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) (NSF)

Ten students will participate in the REU program that begins with a three-day training period teaching basic skills common to all scientific research, and developing the perspectives and career planning components. Full-time research begins after this three-day period. Development of the perspectives component continues with regular meetings and presentations from faculty and from local industrial collaborators. The students oral and written communication skills are developed throughout the program by completing a written proposal, revising their personal statements submitted as part of their application and preparing and presenting a poster of their work at the halfway point and an oral presentation for the final symposium. Written reports of the students research results are also submitted at the conclusion of the program. Four teachers from area Public Schools will also participate in a seven-week RET program, doing research in faculty labs. The RET program includes two teachers who participated in the previous summers program and two teachers recommended by the returning teachers. Teachers join in all REU activities, write a research proposal and give halfway-point and final presentations on their research.

Virginia Nebraska Alliance

The Virginia-Nebraska Alliance (The Alliance) is a unique partnership between unlikely partners to address the national need to diversify the healthcare and research workforce. The Alliance was formed in September 2004 between the five Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs) within Virginia: J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, the University of Nebraska Medical Center(UNMC) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In 2006 The Alliance welcomed the University of Richmond (UofR), the University of Virginia (UVA), and Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) as academic partners. This model partnership between academic health science centers and HBCUs can be replicated across the nation to find “missing persons” in healthcare and research professions. The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program is an Intensive academic science review, opportunities to interact with current graduate students, weekly clinical learning opportunities. Summer Research - VCU, UNMC, UVA, EVMS offers Full-time summer research experience, enrichment seminars, and poster presentation at end of summer. Through the Summer Research Experience (High School), Students would participate in an innovative program that introduces them to the health sciences, through an early educational initiative that fosters academic achievement, career development and enrichment experiences in the health sciences.  Students would participate in a researched based curriculum that conforms to the standards of learning and incorporates the core academic subjects of science, math and reading.  Students would have an opportunity to see first hand the relationship between academic preparation and skills needed to be successful in the health care arena.  Alliance medical and research professionals would provide hands on activities that stimulate and encourage student learning.  

D–Star: Dental – Student Training in Academic Research