Written by Kim Furlow, communication programs manager, Institute for Public Health
The Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program is currently accepting applications through January 17 for the 2025 Summer Research Program. The institute invites students who seek challenge, research and experience in one of three tracks: the Public and Global Health Track, the Aging and Neurological Diseases Track and the SummeR reseArch DIversity ProgrAm iN Cardiovascular Disease & HEmatology or RADIANCE track.
Students from anywhere in the U.S. may apply to one or more tracks for which they qualify but will be accepted to one track only. For eight weeks, students work with a WashU faculty mentor, engage in research, attend expert-led workshops and seminars, explore St. Louis, and experience academic growth in a diverse environment.
I developed my health communication skills and better understand the importance of educating and sharing public health work with the general population.
-Student in the 2024 Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program—Public and Global Health Track
Students in the Public & Global Health Track gain knowledge, conduct real-world practice and research, receive career counseling, and build a network of colleagues through collaboration with public and global health experts at WashU.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 17, 2025
ELIGIBILITY
This track is open to national and international students who are full-time college undergraduate, graduate, or medical students at a U.S.-based university. Students with a robust interest in public health or global health; those who can demonstrate overcoming substantial educational, cultural or economic obstacles; first generation college students; and veterans are encouraged to apply. Previous research experience is not required.
PROGRAM PERIOD: June 9 – August 1, 2025
- Students participate in research in a lab or field-based setting
- Participants are expected to pursue their research training full-time—defined as 40 hours per week—and attend all program events (if based in St. Louis)
- Accepted students must select mentors from the program mentor list who they have not previously worked with (list to be provided upon acceptance into the program)
- This program includes seminars, workshops and sessions on public health, global health, general science, and careers
- This eight-week program concludes with a symposium featuring student presentations on their work
BENEFITS:
Participants receive compensation for their time along with a free Metrolink transit pass. On-campus housing options are available.
I loved the collaborative and supportive community. Everyone in the lab was so helpful and I worked hands on with all of them.
2024 student in the Summer Research Program – Aging & Neurological Diseases Track
Students in the Aging and Neurological Diseases Track learn about three neurological conditions that often interplay with the aging process: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Participants are matched with a faculty mentor and work in the mentor’s lab or center, attend seminars and conduct research, and one of the most rewarding parts of the program according to past cohorts, is a session on ageism at Brentmoor Senior Living where students learn about ageism and discuss the topic with older adult residents. A final project is created and presented by each student at a poster session that closes out this track
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 17, 2025
ELIGIBILITY
Students who are interested in exploring opportunities in research and aging fields are encouraged to apply. This track is open to students who are working on an undergraduate degree at the time of the summer program (eg: must have completed at least two semesters by the start of the program.) Graduate, professional, or medical students are not eligible. Priority is given to students attending universities and colleges in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Students from other institutions are also eligible. During the open application period, U.S. citizens and permanent residents only are eligible to apply. Due to grant restrictions, we are unable to fund students who are not citizens or permanent residents. Students with backgrounds and experiences traditionally underrepresented among researchers are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous research experience is not required.
PROGRAM PERIOD: June 2 – July 25, 2025
BENEFITS: Participants receive a stipend and non-WashU students receive a free Metrolink transit pass. WashU on-campus housing is included as needed.
Questions may be directed to centerforaging@wustl.edu.
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The horizons of my medical future have been significantly expanded, not by changing course, but by discovering new connections and possibilities within the vast landscape of health care.
-Student in the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program—RADIANCE Track
Students in the RADIANCE Track work side-by-side and in labs with WashU faculty mentors on research projects focused on cardiovascular diseases (such as high blood pressure, heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), hematologic disorders (such as platelet disorders, bleeding/clotting syndromes, and hemoglobinopathies), lung diseases and sleep disorders. Participants enhance their research experience and skills as they focus on the challenges and opportunities needed to become successful researchers in heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. For eight weeks, participants engage full-time in group discussions, seminars and lectures on topics such as ethics, scientific writing and clinical trials and finalize their program with a symposium presentation about their work.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 17, 2025
ELIGIBILITY
Individuals must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must meet one or more of the following criteria: from a racial or ethnic group that is underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis, have a physical or mental impairment, or from a disadvantaged background. Find more information about eligibility on the RADIANCE webpage. Specific information about underrepresented populations in the U.S. can be found here.
PROGRAM PERIOD: June 9 – August 1, 2025
BENEFITS: RADIANCE scholars receive a stipend, travel expenses and lodging while enrolled.
Visit the RADIANCE FAQs page or contact the team at radiance@wustl.edu.