From October 15, 2021 through January 7, 2022, the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program application period will be open to students who seek challenge, research and experience in one of two tracks: the Public and Global Health Track and the Aging and Neurological Diseases Track. During the eight-week summer program, students work with a mentor, engage in research, attend workshops and seminars led by experts, explore St. Louis, and gain the opportunity to grow academically in a diverse environment. Students may apply to one or both tracks for which they qualify, but are accepted to one track only. The Summer Research Program runs from June 1 through July 29, 2022.
Public and Global Health Track
I found the seminars to be very engaging. There was a diverse panel of speakers, who had achieved amazing things in their careers and I felt privileged to learn from these academics. I really enjoyed that my mentor recognized my experience level and challenged me to push myself further as a researcher.
Student participant
Bachelor, master or medical students in the United States who have a strong interest in public and global health and pediatrics research are strongly encouraged to apply. Additionally, students who have challenged themselves and excelled academically; demonstrate experience overcoming substantial educational, cultural or economic obstacles; are first-generation college students, veterans or international students studying in the US, should apply.
Accepted students must select mentors from the program mentor list with whom they have not previously worked. The list will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
During the 40 hours per week program, students gain knowledge, conduct real-world practice and research, receive career counseling and build a network of colleagues, while collaborating with public and global health faculty, St. Louis community professionals and each other.
• Work in real world public health practice and research environments, including some international sites
• Gain exposure to top investigators and diverse research topics
• Receive career counseling and develop professional interests
• Build a social network with student peers and faculty
• Receive a $4,000 stipend
• Non-WashU students receive a free Metrolink transit pass
• For students working at an international site, travel to and from St. Louis to the research site will be provided
For more information about this track, contact iphsummer@wustl.edu.
Aging and Neurological Diseases Track
I loved working with my mentor. She took the time to adapt research projects to what we wanted to learn and empowered us as young scientists. I gained more confidence in myself and learned much about aging and the research process. After this experience, I am now considering working in the aging field as a profession.
Student participant
This program is open to students who are working on an undergraduate degree at the time of our summer program and are interested in exploring opportunities in research and aging fields. Graduate, professional, or medical students are not eligible. Applicants must have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate work by the start of the program. Students who identify as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hawaiian Native, first-generation college, women, military veterans, living with a disability, and/or have experienced substantial economic obstacles are encouraged to apply.
Students learn about three neurological conditions and diseases that often interplay with the aging process: stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Participants work in research labs and centers focused on these issues. Accepted students receive:
• Exposure to top investigators and diverse research topics
• A comprehensive orientation covering both aging-related issues and an introduction to research approaches
• Opportunities to build a social network with student peers, faculty and staff
• A stipend and free Metrolink transit pass (for non-WashU students)
For information about this track, please contact centerforaging@wustl.edu.
The Summer Research Program is supported by the Institute for Public Health and its Global Health Center and Friedman Center for Aging; the Department of Medicine, at Washington University’s School of Medicine; the Children’s Discovery Institute of Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital; and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health.