Written by Kim Furlow, communications manager for the Institute for Public Health
Beginning October 14, the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program application period is open to students who seek challenge, research and experience in one of three tracks. Students may apply to one or more tracks for which they qualify, but are accepted to one track only. Tracks include, Public and Global Health Track, the Aging and Neurological Diseases Track and the newest track, the SummeR reseArch DIversity ProgrAm iN Cardiovascular Disease & HEmatology (RADIANCE). During the eight-week summer program, students work with a mentor, engage in research, attend expert-led workshops and seminars, explore St. Louis, and gain the opportunity to grow academically in a diverse environment.
New RADIANCE Track
Beginning on June 5, students in this track will work side-by-side with WashU mentors on projects focused on cardiovascular disease (such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart failure) and hematologic disorders (platelet disorders, bleeding/clotting syndromes, and hemoglobinopathies). During the 40-hour week, RADIANCE will focus on enhancing participants’ skills so that they understand the challenges and opportunities needed to become successful researchers in these particular disorders.
Students who fit one or more of the following eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Undergraduate or health professional student who are actively enrolled in an accredited university. Individuals must have successfully completed at least one undergraduate year at an accredited university (including baccalaureate schools of nursing) or have successfully completed at least one quarter or semester at an accredited school of medicine, optometry, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, allied health professions, public health, or other accredited health professional schools.
- Individuals from racial and ethnic groups who are underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis, including the following racial and ethnic groups: Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
During the eight-week program, students receive a stipend, travel expenses and housing in St. Louis and will participate in the following:
- A week-one bootcamp in which attendees will participate in lectures and learn about clinical trials, scientific writing, ethics in research, biostatistics and more
- A period of six weeks in which students work in the lab with their mentors and attend weekly group meetings, seminars and plan their final presentation
- A final week consisting of the Capstone program during which students present a wrap-up of their projects and summer experience
Public and Global Health Track
This program has contextualized public health practice and research as a mechanism by which we can meet global policy objectives. The seminar series and research component has equipped me with the tools and perspectives needed to address health challenges as a future physician-public servant. I am so thankful to have been a part of such an incredibly enriching experience, and cannot thank my mentor and the IPH team, enough for their incredible support and
leadership this summer!
2022 Participant
Bachelors, masters 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 U.S., 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.
Beginning June 1, 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 on this track, contact iphsummer@wustl.edu.
Aging and Neurological Diseases Track
Throughout the summer program, I learned how complex neuroscience research is, and how little we truly understand about the brain. Each brain is different and it is difficult to come to an objective understanding regarding its disorders. I also learned about the various facets that work towards solving issues related to aging. After this experience, I want research to be a part of my future career. I am now equipped with the skills to be flexible, open to new experiences and to communicate science effectively.
2022 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, neurological diseases 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, Latin, 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.
During the 35 hour per week program, students learn about three neurological conditions and diseases that often interplay with the aging process: stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. 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 health and aging-related issues and an introduction to research approaches
• Opportunities to build a social network with student peers, faculty and staff
• Pay at $13/hr. and free Metrolink transit pass (for non-WashU students)
For information on 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 Children’s Discovery Institute of Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital; the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health; and the National Health, Lung and Blood Institute.