Summer Research Experience in Translational Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery

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ABSTRACT: The primary goal of our summer research program is to immerse a selected group of 12 undergraduates (plus 4 supported by Seattle Children’s Research Institute) in a translational environment of basic neuroscience, neural engineering, and neurological surgery. In the first 12 years of program operation, we have placed 143 rising freshmen and college undergraduate students age 18 and older from 80 different schools into the program. Students have participated in 17 different laboratories engaging a total of 23 faculty, attended 96 separate Grand Rounds presentations, observed over 500 surgical procedures and/or clinical shadowing opportunities by following more than 20 different surgeons, and had weekly Q&A sessions following student-centered presentations by 24 different faculty members. Students are selected from a national applicant pool with 1200 full submissions being reviewed during the current award. Several students from our earlier classes have now been accepted into medical school or PhD neuroscience programs, and many have advanced to neuroscience or premedical studies in college. Although the program is not exclusive to underrepresented minorities (URM), under the R25 over 75% of participants have been women and almost 40% have been from URM groups. While URM students are not the sole focus of the program, it is inherent in our mission to create and provide conduits into the neurosciences fields for marginalized peoples. The program attracts and recruits URM students through outreach programs to organizations such as the US Department of Education TriO Program; the Washington Math, Engineering, Science Achievement Program; Rainier Scholars; UW’s RISE UP/SKY GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Project; the US DOE-funded UW College Assistance Migrant Program; the Center for First-generation Student Success; the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science; the Native Organization of Indigenous Scholars; the Seattle University Foster Student Program; Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine; and similar groups focused on advancing underrepresented students in STEM fields. Coordinated recruitment has resulted in increased applications from underrepresented groups. Through their Program experiences, students gain the self-assurance and confidence that enables them to take advantage of educational opportunities in STEM fields; they better understand the scientific process, experience the challenges of translating basic research into clinical application, and work with mentors who have an interest in their ongoing education. Our graduates report that these factors all support future careers in science, engineering, and/or medicine.