Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)

Utah State Higher Education System--University Of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Investigators

Abstract

Expanding access to high-quality undergraduate research training is critical for strengthening the biomedical workforce and preparing students for advanced study in science and medicine. Structured research experiences have been shown to increase graduate enrollment and support long-term careers in biomedical fields. Developing sustainable research training programs is therefore an essential strategy for cultivating future investigators. In many regions of the United States, including rural areas of Utah, students face limited access to advanced educational resources and professional career pathways. Reduced exposure to research environments and scientific role models can diminish opportunities to pursue graduate education. Expanding structured training programs in these regions helps prepare students for further study and careers in the biomedical sciences. To address this need, the Rural Utah Training Experience (RUTE) & Regional Affairs program was established in 2018 at the University of Utah. RUTE extends Health Sciences resources to students across Utah and the Intermountain West and provides opportunities for health science education and professional development. The program has expanded steadily since its inception, building capacity for new initiatives each year. One such initiative is the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), piloted in 2021. The SURE program is a 10-week mentored research experience that provides undergraduates with hands-on training, academic enrichment, and professional development in biomedical science. The overarching goal of SURE is to strengthen the pipeline of students prepared to pursue graduate education and careers in biomedical sciences, particularly in areas aligned with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) mission. The current proposal aims to: Implement a 10-week summer research program focused on heart, lung, blood, and sleep-related health topics. Deliver an integrated education series and professional development curriculum to supplement the research experience. Provide structured mentoring and networking opportunities to support student persistence in biomedical research pathways. Evaluate program efficacy through participant tracking and feedback from both mentors and trainees.