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Summer Research Internship in Medical Sciences

Download Application Form and Information
Apply by March 15, 2013

The Office of Research at the University of Missouri School of Medicine coordinates a summer research program for undergraduates enrolled at other institutions. The objective of the program is to recruit underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to the medical school with the goal of improving diversity and inclusion in the clinical medicine workforce. The program runs for nine weeks (Wednesday, May 29, 2013 – Friday, July 26, 2013), with travel days being Tuesday, May 28, and Saturday, July 27. Students selected for the program live in on-campus, air-conditioned housing (double rooms), and receive a full meal plan, covered by the program. Summer interns also are provided with funds to cover one hour of academic/research credit, travel to and from Columbia, and a stipend of $3,400. Students will work on their own research project under the guidance of an MU School of Medicine faculty mentor and present their results at a poster forum at the end of the summer (July 25).

Campus and Community

MU, the flagship campus of the University of Missouri system, is home to more than 33,000 students (7,800 in graduate and professional programs) and 1,900 faculty. MU is one of only 34 public universities, and the only public institution in Missouri, to be selected for membership in the Association of American Universities. Membership recognizes excellence in teaching and research and includes only the nation's leading research institutions. MU also is designated as comprehensive doctoral in medicine and veterinary medicine by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Columbia, midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, is a growing community with a population of more than 108,000. Columbia offers most of the benefits of large cities (restaurants, museums, theaters, music, and a variety of religious institutions) and yet maintains the atmosphere and convenience of a diverse college town. There are numerous trails for walking, running, and biking, and a variety of city and state parks nearby.

Eligibility

Applicants are expected to be pursuing a major in animal sciences, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related fields, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Selection is partially based on the applicant's potential and motivation for future enrollment in the MU School of Medicine. Preference will be given to underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Students must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. Students graduating prior to December 2013 are not eligible.

Application Information

Application must be received no later than March 15, 2013. Students must complete the application and provide academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts will be accepted; fall 2012 grades should be included); at least one letter of recommendation (two are preferred); a personal statement including career plans, prior research experience (if any), and a statement of research interests; and a resume. Completed application packets should be sent to Debbie Taylor, Dean's Office, School of Medicine, One Hospital Drive, DC018.00, Columbia, MO 65212; phone number (573) 884-0042, fax (573) 884-4808 . Questions may be directed to her at taylord@health.missouri.edu or (573) 884-0042.

Educational Programming

In addition to their research work, students participate in a full series of evening workshops and brown-bag lunches designed to provide them with information about research, career preparation and options, and scientific ethics. Speakers in the past have included MU faculty, a scientist from the Stowers Medical Institute, a scientist from Pioneer Seed, a veterinary oncologist, members of the National Academy of Sciences, clinical oncology researchers, science teachers, and directors of graduate programs. Weekly specialty discussions provide opportunities for students to read articles relevant to the topics and engage in discussion with peers and faculty members. A presentation on writing abstracts and designing posters is held in preparation for the poster forum. Social activities also provide opportunities for participants to get to know each other and other members of the MU science community. A mandatory orientation session that includes team-building activities is scheduled for May 29.

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Revised: April 03, 2013 - Copyright © 2011 - The Curators of the University of Missouri.
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