Summer Student Research Program

Program Description

Managed through the Methodist Research Institute at Indiana University Health, Inc., the Summer Student Research Program is designed to pair students in the sciences with biomedical researchers for a 12-week period from May to August. Not only does this opportunity provide students with a hands-on research experience, the program also assists researchers at the Methodist Research Institute and IU Health in completing a variety of innovative projects that might not otherwise be accomplished without student assistance.

Research projects are available in both clinical and laboratory settings. The following are examples of recent clinical research projects:

• Optimization of Decreased Donors Using Donor Management Goals
• Risk of Hemorrhage from de novo Cerebral Aneurysms
• Impact of a Massive Blood Transfusion Protocol on Trauma Patient Outcomes
• Assessment of Cardiac Innervation Before and After Neuromodulatory Therapies
• Relationship of Genetic Polymorphisms in the Organic Cationic Transporters on Metformin Clearance and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Dieabetes Mellitus

The following basic science projects have been conducted recently:

• Role of Melatonin Receptors MT/ROR in the Regulation of TH17 Helper Subset
• Targeting Brain Tumor Stem Cells as a Treatment for Glioblastoma
• Mechanism of Inhibition of Breast-to-Lung Metastasis of Reishimax
• Malignant Glioma Cells: Implications for Glioma Cell Survival

Each year offers a variety of new studies and challenges.

Program Goal

The goal of the program is to provide university and college students in the sciences, and medical students, an opportunity to develop their biomedical research skills by working on a medical research project with a mentor at a major medical research faculty and to encourage students to consider the field of medical research as a possible career choice.

Institutional Objectives

The program will

1. Provide a hands-on research experience for undergraduate, medical, and university students studying the sciences.
2. Provide assistance to clinicians and scientists in carrying out innovative research ideas and projects.

Participant Objectives

Each program participant will

1. Design and implement a biomedical research study.
2. Analyze research data collected during the study.
3. Attend an 8-week lecture series.
4. Prepare a written report summarizing the summer research project.
5. Prepare and give a formal oral presentation summarizing the project.
6. Learn to prepare a manuscript following guidelines for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Administration of the Program

Administration of the summer program begins with identifying preceptors and possible summer research projects. Students interested in applying to the program are asked to review their research interests in a personal statement. Applications to the program are available through the program coordinator, who can also answer any questions.

A committee consisting of the program coordinator, the program director, and program scientists screens the applicants and selects program candidates. Candidates are matched, based on interests and experience, with preceptor(s) participating in the program. Students chosen to participate in the program are recommended for hire to the Indiana University Health Human Resources Department. Students must commit to working 40 hours per week for 12 weeks during the summer and must attend Presentation Day.

Prior to beginning employment at Indiana University Health, participants must complete a physical examination provided through the Indiana University Health Employee Occupational Health Service. This program is a full-time paid internship. The wage for the 2012 program will be $10 an hour.

Keeping in mind that a 12-week commitment must be made to the program, students will begin the program on Monday, May 14, 2012. Other program requirements include: attending Indiana University Health and program orientations; attending a lecture series; working 40 hours per week (excluding Memorial Day and the Fourth of July); preparing a written review of the summer research project; and giving a short (generally 10 – 15 minute) oral presentation of the research project. Presentation Day is scheduled for August 2, 2012. Attendance is required for the entire day.

Program Evaluation

Student progress is evaluated by the preceptor midway through the program. Students receive feedback on their performance from the preceptor throughout the program.

Upon completion of the program, each summer participant is asked to complete a program evaluation form addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Participant evaluations are summarized to identify program areas needing change or enhancement and then reviewed by program administrators.