Dean’s Research Scholar
Application Deadline: April 1
This program is designed to provide a yearlong opportunity in basic, clinical, or translational research to highly qualified students with a well-designed research project proposal. Students will make lifelong connections with department members as well as other researchers across campus.
If accepted into the program, participants can expect to:
- Conduct a basic, clinical, or translational research project
- Work with a mentor
- Receive a research stipend consistent with current NIH funding levels for predoctoral researchers
- Optional: Receive health insurance coverage for length of program
What projects will be considered for funding?
All well-developed, student-led projects will be considered. Ideally, students will publish their projects.
Eligibility
To participate, students must meet the following eligibility requirements.
Students must be:
- In good academic standing
- Enrolled in the M.D.-only track
- Able to participate full-time for the full year
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
Students may not:
- Enroll in any non-program coursework during the program
- Receive funding from another source for summer research
- Participate in any other campus employment
How do I apply?
-
Complete the Program Application
Before April 1
Your application should include:
- Academic accomplishments
- Previous research
- Publications
- Honors and awards
- Professional activities
-
Request Your Official Transcript & Dean’s Letter of Good Standing
Before April 1
Please allow 5 business days for processing your transcript request.
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Prepare Your Research Proposal
Before April 1
Your hypothesis-driven, 2-3 page research proposal should be capable of sustaining one year of research and include:
- Specific aims
- Background
- Significance
- Preliminary studies
- Research design
- Methods
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Gather Your Mentor’s Letter of Support, NIH Biosketch, and Training Plan
Before April 1
Your mentor’s training plan should include:
- Mentor’s involvement in training the student throughout project
- Name of person who will guide the student on day-to-day technical issues
- Planned enrichment activities such as formal and informal seminars, laboratory meetings, journal clubs, etc.
- Adequacy of physical resources such as lab, computer, etc.
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Secure and Submit 2 Letters of Recommendation
Before April 1
Your two letters of recommendation should include details about your interest in research and your academic integrity.
-
Submit Your Application & Required Documents
By April 1
All application materials must be turned into the Medical Student Research Office.
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Top Applicants Interview with Research Panel
Before May 1
Top applicants will be invited to discuss their career goals and proposed projects with the research panel.
Dean’s Research Scholar Program Timeline Highlights
- April 1
Application must be received - May 1
Notification of acceptance into the program
Off-site Opportunities
Students are encouraged to seek out other research programs across the country that aim to create physician-scientists.
- Sarnoff Fellowship Program
In this program, students enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools will spend a full year conducting intensive work in a biomedical research facility in the United States other than the school in which they are enrolled. Learn more. - NIH Medical Research Scholars Program
In this program, students will work with a mentor over the course of a year on a basic, clinical, or translational research project in an area that matches their personal research interests and career goals with the aim of improving public health. Learn more.
