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Education

Educating the next generation of basic and translational scientists is one of the core missions of the Wells Center. While principal investigators have a primary appointment in the Department of Pediatrics, these faculty members also hold secondary appointments in various basic science departments at IU School of Medicine. These secondary appointments permit faculty to recruit PhD and MD/PhD students to Wells Center laboratories to pursue thesis work.

Investigators play a vital role in guiding and mentoring graduate students in solving significant health care needs through basic and translational research. Most Wells Center investigators also recruit postdoctoral fellows into laboratories to focus on the primary research interests that are funded through extramural grants. These fellows have opportunities to present work at individual and group lab meetings on a weekly basis. Visiting expert speakers present on a monthly basis at a Wells Center research seminar to the benefit of all the students, post-doc fellows and faculty members.

Fellows and students are mentored in grant writing, research planning and writing of manuscripts. Most submit abstracts of work to national and international meetings where the work can be presented and fellows and students can receive feedback. In this manner, Wells Center investigators prepare and mentor the next generation of scientists that will address the ongoing medical problems that continue to plague the children around the world.

Molecular Medicine in Action

For more than 25 years, the Wells Center has hosted Molecular Medicine in Action (MMIA) for high school students.

The annual event brings bright young minds from across Indiana to Indianapolis to explore careers in science and medicine and have hands-on experience in a lab setting alongside IU School of Medicine researchers and physicians.

Internships

The center’s internship program is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on experience in biomedical sciences.

Grants and Fellowships

Through various opportunities at IU School of Medicine, support for students and faculty is available to further education and research endeavors.

Pediatrics Education Programs

The Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine offers medical education and research programs for current and future pediatricians—from medical school to practicing physicians. Medical students, residents and fellows train alongside IU School of Medicine faculty at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indiana’s only comprehensive children’s hospital. And trainees interested in research experience can work alongside some of the most accomplished pediatric medical research scientists in the world.