Program Details
Ten UT Southwestern Amgen Scholars will take part in an intensive, 10-week summer research program. The primary focus of our program is to provide a faculty-mentored, intensive research experience in the scholar’s top area of interest. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, scholars will develop a project and gain the technical skills to complete it. They will learn to interpret data, delve into the literature, and contribute intellectually.
To further equip our Amgen Scholars with skills that will support their journey to becoming an independent scientist, scholars will benefit from the following activities:
Scholarly Development Activities
- “The Story of a Discovery” small group dinners: Eight top scientists, including a Nobel Laureate, three Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators, and four National Academy of Sciences members will describe how groundbreaking discoveries grew from simple observations in the lab, with a focus on scientific sleuthing.
- Journal Club: UT Southwestern faculty will lead a weekly logic and critical thinking journal club designed to enhance scholars’ ability to assess published science.
- Scientific seminars: Scholars may attend weekly science seminars given by faculty across eleven disciplines, as well as participate in graduate student-led courses in leadership, cancer biology, immunology, and neuroscience.
- Biotechnology Symposium: Scholars will attend this summer symposium sponsored by the Amgen Foundation in Los Angeles, Calif..
Pre-Professional Development Activities
Seminars/workshops will be presented on:
- Writing an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
- Role of the M.D./Ph.D. in Medicine and Research
- How to be a Competitive Graduate School Applicant
- Effective Science Communication
- Career Opportunities in Academia and Industry
Community Building Activities
Scholars will build relationships with their mentor and lab members, the UT Southwestern scientific community, Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. near peers, and the program director through:
- Interactions with a faculty mentor and members of the lab prior to, during, and after the summer program both in the lab environment and at events offered throughout the summer
- Dallas/Fort Worth area outings, led by Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. students
- Networking activities at the Amgen Scholars housing location
Contact the Amgen Program
Arnaldo Diaz Vazquez, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
