VA Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (VA-SURE)

Veterans Health Administration, Decatur PA

Investigators

Abstract

The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS) will offer laboratory-based, hands-on research experiences for undergraduate students that are interested in biomedical research, referred to as VA Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (VA-SURE). Recruitment for the program will focus on local undergraduate institutions where students of color and other disadvantaged backgrounds make up a significant percentage of enrolled students as well as within the local Veteran community. We will take advantage of our pool of experienced mentors conducting VA research to provide students with an engaging and rewarding experience. The long- term goal of this program is to prepare students for graduate school and a future career in biomedical research. We believe that access to our knowledgeable mentors and exposure to the research environment along with weekly enrichment learning and growth opportunities will provide them with tools to be successful. Students will receive instruction in experimental design, execution, and data interpretation. To further enhance the experience, students will also be paired with a graduate student peer-mentors from the University of Michigan’s Immunology Program, a PhD granting program. The short-term goals of our program are three-fold: 1) for students to leave the program with increased confidence when speaking about science, 2) for students to have a more comprehensive understanding of what a biomedical resarch career could look like, and 3) for students to identify as a scientist. We expect that many of the relationships created between students and their mentors, both faculty and graduate student, will extend past the summer program and that our mentors will be available to provide future career guidance.