MAY 24 - JULY 20, 2021
 

The safety and well-being of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center community during the COVID-19 pandemic remains of utmost importance. The fluid circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center wants to be proactive and proceed in a manner that reduces potential health risks. Part of this process is to cancel the 2020 summer programs. Please contact us at SURP@ouhsc.edu should you have any questions or concerns.

The Graduate College at the OU Health Sciences Center hosts four summer undergraduate research programs aimed at preparing and encouraging undergraduate students to pursue careers in biomedical research or health related sciences. Studies show that undergraduate research programs are beneficial to the success of applying to and completion of a graduate degree program. Our programs introduce outstanding undergraduate students to the rigorous academic preparation required to achieve these goals, through participation in intensive, hands-on research experiences in the laboratories of OUHSC biomedical faculty mentors. 

ONLINE APPLICATION

A complete application will include:

• General Applicant Information,
• A Personal Statement,
• University/College Transcript,
• and Two Letters of Recommendation.

To apply, access the link below and select the program you would like to apply for. You may only select one program. However, if you would like to apply for more than one program, then you will need to submit a separate application for each program. Once you have completed your application, your references will receive an email requesting a letter of recommendation. You will receive an email once the letters have been submitted.

Before you apply:

• Write your Personal Statement. (You will upload the text of your personal statement into the application directly).
• Save your Transcript(s) as a PDF(s). (Unofficial Transcripts accepted)
• Have the contact information for your recommenders to submit their letters of recommendation.

THE APPLICATION WILL OPEN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2020.  THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JANUARY 31st,  2021.

OVERVIEW

We seek outstanding undergraduate students from around the state and the country to spend their summer at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City for a biomedical research experience at one of the best mentored programs in existence. Students join experienced laboratories where they work with other students and personnel to pursue their own projects over the course of an eight-week period. On the final day, students show off their progress at a poster session to the campus community. A Celebration Luncheon follows where student accomplishments are acknowledged by their advisors, awards are presented, and a former summer student returns to campus to present a Keynote Address. Students participating in our intensive programs receive generous stipends to allow pursuit of their research activities full-time (40 hours/week) without distraction. Please see the information in the sidebar above to find which program is best suited for your needs and background. Entry is competitive, so be sure to apply by the deadline to ensure consideration.

PARTICIPATING PROGRAMS & RESEARCH AREAS

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Cell Biology

Microbiology & Immunology

Neuroscience

Pathology

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Physiology

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

RESEARCH

Students engage in basic laboratory research immersed in the intellectual environment of the laboratory, including lab meetings. Mentors, graduate students, post-docs and laboratory personnel work closely with students to share methods and techniques that will enable students to assume responsibility for their own research projects if practicable. Attempts are made to match the interests of each participant to a mentoring research professor with related interests; with the overarching goal of exposing students to dynamic, cutting edge research training projects that have been successful in the biomedical arena.

ORIENTATION

Each of our summer programs lasts eight weeks, from May to July. Students must attend an orientation day which will include training for laboratory safety, radiation safety, library resources, etc.

ENRICHMENT

Weekly educational enrichment meetings are held to discuss research-related skills, to familiarize students with the areas of research at the OU Health Sciences Center and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation beyond their assigned laboratory, and to promote networking. Topics also include career opportunities for PhDs in biomedical sciences, preparation for graduate school, financial aid advising, etc. Students have opportunities to learn about all graduate programs at OUHSC and to visit laboratories in participating departments.

SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS

To conclude the eight-week program, participants submit scientific abstracts and present their findings at a poster session open to the OUHSC Campus community. This celebration is followed by a luncheon reception that features a keynote speaker. The poster session, displayed at the OUHSC, is another excellent opportunity to reinforce the importance of graduate education and the research opportunities available at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

CONTACT INFORMATION

E-Mail Address:  SURP@ouhsc.edu
Phone: (405) 271-2406

Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
940 Stanton L. Young,  BMSB 332
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104