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Culture & Diversity


Graduate Programs Equity Summer Research Program
 

Interested in research? Thinking about applying to graduate school? Curious about the biomedical sciences?

Our program offers:

  • An exciting opportunity to spend 8 to 10 weeks working with faculty and graduate students in a research setting, learning new skills and gaining experience
  • Weekly seminars and meetings with fellow students and faculty to discuss ongoing research
  • Ongoing, personal mentoring about your individual career pathway from OHSU faculty (even after the summer is completed)
  • Exposure to medical lectures and physicians, for those students interested in MD-PhD programs
  • A paid stipend for all students during the program

Students will work on a specific project with faculty from the following departments and programs:

Who is Eligible?

  • By the program starting date, eligible students will have completed at least one full year of college coursework.
  • The most competitive applicants will have completed coursework in the basic sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, neuroscience, biopsychology) and mathematics.
  • This program is only open to applicants who have experienced significant economic or educational disadvantage (i.e., economic, educational, ethnic/cultural, family circumstances).
  • Students from rural areas and / or from under-represented groups in science and medicine are encouraged to apply.

    Download Equity Program application here as a fillable Word file or pdf file.

    Program dates for 2009:  June 22 - August 14

Frequently Asked Questions:

Your application must include:

  1. A completed official Equity Program application (may be downloaded here as a fillable Word file or pdf file. 
  2. Official college transcript
  3. Two Letters of Recommendation from college faculty teachers, with at least one from a science teacher
  4. Resume or CV

Application Deadline: 

The application cycle for 2009 has passed.  Watch this space for the 2010 cycle.

All inquiries, applications, and letters of recommendation should be mailed to:

Leslie Garcia

garcial@ohsu.edu

503-494-2231

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the dates of the program?

  • June 22 - August 14, 2009 - 2010 to be announced

Who qualifies?

You qualify if you meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least one undergraduate college year by the start date of the program.
  2. Have experienced significant disadvantage:  economic, educational, ethnic / cultural, family circumstances, etc.
  3. You are a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident.
   Can International students apply?
  • No.  Due to the broad range of individual circumstances and the difficulties that they present, this program is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.

What are my chances of being accepted to the program?

  • There is no way to anticipate the number of applications received each year. The number of available positions usually depends on funding and the availability of mentors. Normally, between 5-7 awards are given each year.

When will I find out if I was accepted?

  • We expect to notify all applicants by the first week of May.

I have applied to another OHSU program.  Is this program related?

  • Our website shows the nine basic science departments and programs that provide mentors for the Summer Equity Research scholars.  To be considered for the Summer Equity Research program, you must apply to this particular program.

Is it possible for me to take other courses during the summer program?

  • Summer Equity Research scholars are in the laboratory full time, roughly 8 – 5 every weekday.  In addition, you will be asked to prepare a presentation of your research project and may be asked to attend other seminars.  Therefore, it is not advisable that you add other coursework during the duration of the program.

Can I choose my mentor?

  • We strive to match scholars and mentors based on research interests, however not all OHSU researchers are available to serve as mentors during any given summer.  Therefore, you cannot choose your mentor.

Where will I be doing my research?

  • You will be in your mentor’s laboratory on the main OHSU campus in Portland, OR.  Some mentors have lab space at the V.A. facility located on campus.

How much is the stipend?

  • The stipend is equivalent to just over $8.00 per hour.  Payments are made at the end of each month.

I don’t live in Portland.  Is housing available?

  • Depending on funding constraints, a very limited number of housing placements may be available to students from outside the area.   These students will stay at the Portland State University dorms for the duration of their program.

What other research opportunities can you suggest for me?

  • Research experience is invaluable if you plan to apply to a graduate program.  We recommend that you check the OHSU employment website for research assistant positions.  You can also download a list of other educational opportunities here.

Will the program pay for my travel?

  • The program has not typically had funds to support participants' travel to Portland.

Where can I get other questions answered?

  • Call or email
Leslie Garcia
garcial@ohsu.edu
503-494-2231