Indiana MSTP Undergraduate Summer Research Program (for Future MD-PhD Physician-Scientists and Physician-Engineers)

About the Program

This summer program is designed for highly motivated undergraduate students who are strongly considering a career as a physician-scientist or physician-engineer through a dual-degree MD-PhD pathway, such as the Indiana MSTP. Participants should be committed to integrating clinical practice with substantial research efforts in areas such as basic science, social and behavioral sciences, biomedical engineering, or human translational discovery.

Students whose career goals are focused solely on clinical medicine, or who anticipate only a minor role for research in their professional future, are encouraged to explore other IU School of Medicine summer programs better suited to their interests.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate Status: Currently enrolled undergraduate students who will have completed their sophomore or junior year by the start of the summer program.
• Academic Background: Coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, social/behavioral sciences, or engineering.
• GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.5 GPA.
• Research Experience: At least one semester of laboratory experience outside of standard lab classes.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (valid Permanent Resident Card, USCIS Form I-551).

Experience

During this nine week program, students will conduct independent research under the mentorship of an IU School of Medicine faculty member.
Areas of research include:

• Biomedical engineering
• Cancer and hematologic disease
• Cardiovascular and kidney disease
• Diabetes and metabolic diseases
• Global health issues (biomedical research)
• Microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases
• Musculoskeletal disease
• Neuroscience and addiction
• Social and behavioral sciences

In addition to research, students will have the opportunity to:

• Shadow a clinical mentor during hospital rounds and/or outpatient clinics
• Meet with practicing physician-scientists at Indiana University
• Network with current Indiana MSTP (MD-PhD) students

Compensation

Participants will receive a stipend of $5,000 for the summer experience. Housing is provided for students whose permanent address is more than 30 miles from the IU School of Medicine Indianapolis campus.