Are you interested in doing biomedical research during your summer? Do you want the opportunity to develop both wet and dry lab skills with the potential to continue into the academic year? Then the Health Research Program (HRP) is for you!
The Health Research Program connects students interested in a large variety of research topics to faculty at UConn Health. Research topics include genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, cancer biology, cell biology, physiology, immunology, bioinformatics, and even psychology. Opportunities for both wet and dry lab research are available. This program is designed to give students with none or limited research experience the opportunity to gain some in a professional setting. First years are encouraged to apply.
HRP doesn’t only provide research experience: it also gives students the opportunity to work independently in the lab and gain critical project development experience. Further, there are plenty of networking opportunities with the many professors, faculty, and students at UConn Health. The experience sets up students to explore many careers in science, whether that be in the healthcare field or in research.
The Health Research Program offers a $4,000 stipend to all students accepted for travel and housing accommodations. Additionally, students can apply for stipends both during the semester and during winter break to assist in the continuation of their research. Research credit is also available for work done during the semester.
To apply, first identify which faculty you are interested in working with here. Then, submit an application to their individual lab through the Quest Portal. Each lab has its own questions and qualifications, so make sure to keep track of everything needed. Finally, submit your application by the deadline stated on the website, this is typically the end of January. After, the Primary Investigator will reach out to you for interviews in early February and you will hear back soon after that.
If you would like to get any part of your application reviewed by a professional, make either a resume critique appointment or an appointment with a career coach through the Center for Career Development. Additionally, many of the peer mentors at the Office of Undergraduate Research got their start through this program, so they are also a great resource.
The Health Research Program is a great way to get started in biomedical research. Don’t pass up this opportunity!
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
