Summer Undergraduate Research Programs at UAB

Interested in a summer research position? Check out these two exciting opportunities at the University of Alabama at Birmingham! Both of these programs introduce outstanding undergraduates to the exciting career options of being a scientific investigator while also being a practicing physician. Eligible students may apply to both programs.

These two 8-week programs are held concurrently from May 31-July 26, 2019. Students receive a stipend and free on-campus housing, but will be responsible for their own meals, for travel to and from Birmingham, and other expenses.

Students in both programs will be introduced to the concept of scientific research, principles of scientific experimentation, the proper methods of data analysis, the interpretation, presentation, and translational applications of research results, and to clinicians who practice at academic medical centers.

Applications are due on February 15, 2019. See below for more information about each program.

Summer in Biomedical Sciences (SIBS) Undergrduate Research Program

The goal of this fellowship is to give talented undergraduate students the opportunity to experience the challenges and rewards of intensive, hypothesis-drive laboratory research. This experience should help students make well informed decisions about future career plans.  Previous research experience is not required. Applications from students who are interested in research as a potential career, including students interested in PhD and MD-PhD programs, are welcomed. 

• Sophomores and Juniors are eligible to apply. 
• Successful applicants typically demonstrate GPAs of 3.0 or higher, especially in science, math, and related areas.  
• More info: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/sibs/

Preparation for Graduate and Medical Education (PARAdiGM)

This program focuses on undergraduates from diverse and underrepresented minority backgrounds, and offers the opportunity to participate in the program for two summers. In addition to working in the laboratory of a faculty mentor with an actively funded biomedical research program, participants will learn about careers in academic medical centers (AMCs) by shadowing clinician-investigators in their clinics, as well as on in-patient rounds. At the end of the first summer in the program, the students will write an abstract and participate in both a local and national poster presentation of their research results. Students will also receive instruction in essay writing, MCAT preparation, and critical career skills. 

The ultimate goal of the program is to provide undergraduate students with an understanding and appreciation of the biomedical research process so as to encourage them to pursue careers studying patients and their diseases after further postgraduate training in graduate and medical education. Previous research experience is not required in order to apply.  

• More info: http://www.uab.edu/medicine/paradigm/