Written by Kim Furlow, communications manager for the Institute for Public Health
Beginning October 16, 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 from anywhere in the continental U.S. and Ireland may apply to one or more tracks for which they qualify, but will be accepted to one track only. The Summer Research Program includes 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. 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.
RADIANCE track
Never before in my academic or professional career have I been surrounded by such a racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse group of colleagues. This experience has deeply impacted me, and I know it will stay with me forever.
2023 RADIANCE track participant
Application period: Oct. 16, 2023 – Feb. 16, 2024
Program dates: June/July, 2024
Students in this track work side-by-side and in labs with WashU faculty mentors on research projects focused on cardiovascular disease (such as high blood pressure, heart failure and hypertrohic cardiomyopathy) and hematologic disorders (such as platelet disorders, bleeding/clotting syndromes, and hemoglobinopathies). Participants enhance their research experience and skills as they focus on the challenges and opportunities needed to become successful researchers in cardiovascular disease and hematologic disorders. For eight weeks, they 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 capstone presentation about their work.
Eligibility requirements
Participants must meet one or more of the following categories:
- Individuals from racial and ethnic groups who are underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis*
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
*See more information here.
Other benefits: RADIANCE scholars receive a stipend, travel expenses and lodging while enrolled.
For more information about RADIANCE, contact radiance@wustl.edu.
Public and Global Health Track
The lecture series has been one of my favorite aspects of this program, as I have gained valuable exposure to important research and work in public and global health, touching on subjects that I have already begun to explore and areas that are new to me.
2023 Public & Global Health track participant
Application period: Oct. 16, 2023 – Jan. 12, 2024
Program dates: June/July, 2024
During this full-time program track, 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. Participants are matched with a top researcher/faculty mentor and work in labs or field-based settings, attend seminars and workshops on public health, pediatric and global health topics and end their program with a symposium featuring presentations of their work.
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to national and international students who are full-time college undergraduates, graduate students, or medical students at a U.S.-based university
- Students with a robust interest in public health, global health or pediatric research; 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
Other Benefits
- Participants receive a 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 covered
- If needed, lodging while enrolled
For more information about the Public & Global Health track, contact IPHSummer@wustl.edu.
Aging and Neurological Diseases track
I have started thinking more intentionally about my own thoughts on aging and how I speak about it. I will also go forward with more knowledge on the diseases that often affect older adults and will continue to try to learn more about them.
2023 participant in the Aging & Neurological Diseases track
Application period: October 16, 2023 – January 12, 2024
Program dates: June 3 – July 26, 2024
During this 35 hour-per-week, eight-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 are matched with a faculty mentor and work in the mentor’s lab or center, attend seminars and conduct research, with a final project of creating and presenting a poster of their work.
Eligibility Requirements
- Working on an undergraduate degree at the time of our summer program (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 Region*. 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 during the open application period.
- Previous research experience is not required. We seek students who are interested in exploring opportunities in research and aging fields.
*The St. Louis Metro Region consists of counties in Missouri (Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis, City of St. Louis, Warren, and Washington) and Illinois (Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair).
Other Benefits: Accepted students receive a stipend and WashU campus housing. Non-WashU students receive a free Metrolink transit pass.
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 Harvey A. 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.