The Indiana Medical Scientist/Engineer Training Program's Undergraduate Summer Research Program

About the Program

The Indiana Medical Scientist/Engineer Training Program’s Undergraduate Summer Research Program (aka the Indiana MSTP-USRP or pre-MSTP), IU School of Medicine’s summer research program for future physician scientists/engineers, is designed for high-performing undergraduate students who are committed to pursuing an integrated clinical and research career and plan to pursue combined-degree training in an MD/PhD Program, such as the Indiana MSTP.

Eligibility

This summer program is for individuals who will commit a significant part of their career as a physician to pursuing research in basic science, social and behavioral sciences, biomedical engineering or human translational discovery. Individuals who wish to pursue a career as a physician only or individuals who envision biomedical discovery as a minor component of their professional career should not apply to this program but should instead seek other programs designed for their desired career track. Opportunities for research are expected to be available in basic and social science disciplines and through the interdisciplinary centers for biomedical research at IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis.

The program is open to undergraduate students who have completed their freshman, sophomore or junior years of course work with a background in biology, chemistry, physics, social and behavioral sciences, or engineering. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident of the United States (i.e., possess a 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 excellence 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, and social and behavioral sciences. In addition to research, students will have the opportunity to shadow a clinical mentor in hospital clinical rounds and/or outpatient clinics, meet with practicing physician-scientists at Indiana University, and network with current Indiana MSTP students.

Compensation

The program pays each participant at least $4,000 for the summer experience. Housing is provided to participants whose permanent address is greater than 30 miles from the IU School of Medicine Indianapolis campus.