College of Medicine ASPIRE Program

The ASPIRE program  is a pathway opportunity presented by Ohio State University’s College of Medicine, Physician Scientist Education Training program.

As an initiative of the Medical Science Training Program, the ASPIRE Medical Research Program’s mission is to support undergraduate students whose backgrounds have not afforded them the opportunity to engage in the health sciences. The program provides participants with mentorship, research experience in world-class laboratories, and personal and academic support to prepare them for advanced education and careers as health care providers.

ASPIRE is open to current Ohio State University sophomores and juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

This is a 12 month commitment beginning with summer semester and continuing through the following spring semester; you must have at least 12 months remaining in your undergraduate education to participate.

All interested students are encouraged to apply, including:

  • Students with disabilities, defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • Students from economically and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds
  • First generation college students
  • Students who have overcome economic or educational obstacles in obtaining higher education
  • Students interested in pursuing a dual degree MD/PhD program

Students will begin the program in summer 2025 spending 10 weeks (38 hours a week) conducting research with a principal investigator (PI). The PI and the student may choose to extend the experience into the academic year and beyond.

In the ASPIRE Medical Research program, students can expect to:

  • Develop skills and research experiences that will help them stand out on applications for graduate or professional health science programs,
  • Connect with students and Ohio State faculty from diverse backgrounds with similar interests, and
  • Build and nurture professional relationships that will serve them at Ohio State and beyond.

Eligible students are encouraged to learn more and apply online by January 15, 2025.


Want to jump start your search for the right research program? Check out this listing of programs that have recently reached out to CBC students.

MICHR Translational Science Immersion (TSI) Summer Research Program

Program Information:

  • 10-week full-time immersion program: May 27 – August 1, 2025
  • Engage in translational science & health disparities research
  • Work with a mentor on an ongoing, funded research project
  • Orientation and required training in the protection of human subjects and the responsible conduct of research
  • Meet with community members who partner with academics in research
  • Classroom work and team projects
  • Participating students will be hired as temporary U-M employees and paid a salary

Eligibility:

  • Graduating college seniors, master’s degree students, and health professions degree students
  • Students enrolled in any health-related programs (e.g. biomedical engineering, dentistry, kinesiology, medicine, nursing, public health, social work, etc)
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

Virtual Info Sessions:

Application deadline: January 22, 2025

Apply here. Questions? michr-edu@umich.edu 


Want to jump start your search for the right research program? Check out this listing of programs that have recently reached out to CBC students.

Institute for Protein Design Summer Research Program

The Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington is a world-leading research center focused on creating new proteins that address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. The Institute is developing innovative solutions in areas like cancer therapeutics, Alzheimer’s disease, vaccines, nanomaterials, and more.

The IPD is now accepting applications for its 2025 Summer Research Program. This paid, hands-on research program in Seattle invites students to explore computational and experimental protein design while working on groundbreaking projects in fields like medicine, technology, and sustainability.

The program runs from June to August 2025, in line with the University of Washington’s summer term. Participants will receive a $3,200 per month stipend for nine weeks of full-time research (40 hours per week). Stipends will be distributed in equal installments throughout the program.

Participants will:

  • Collaborate with their assigned IPD mentor and others at the IPD to perform significant research project.
  • Enroll in a 2-credit course supported by the IPD.
  • Attend weekly seminars to enhance their research experience.
  • Present their research both as a poster at a symposium and as a talk to the IPD.

The program is open to full-time undergraduate students at any institution. Students from underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply. Although students at all academic levels are eligible to apply, students in their Sophomore or Junior year (graduating in 2026 or 2027) will be given priority. Applicants should have a strong interest in basic or applied research in protein design and must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program.

The application deadline is January 12, 2025.
For more details and to apply, visit the IPD website.


Want to jump start your search for the right research program? Check out this listing of programs that have recently reached out to CBC students.

UCLA Master of Applied Chemical Sciences

UCLA’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department is excited to introduce its new two-year Master of Applied Chemical Sciences (MACS) program. This program is designed to equip graduates with critical skills and knowledge to excel in the highly competitive non-academic workforce.

MACS courses will be taught by UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty and each student will be provided with an individual mentorship by one of the program’s faculty advisors. The program features two tracks: one in medicinal chemistry and the other in materials chemistry, reflecting current industry trends and needs.

During their first year, MACS students are introduced to a mix of applied chemistry coursework, laboratory modules, and a course covering soft professional skills and project management. In their second year, students take elective courses and are part of an independent research project.

Throughout both years, MACS students will routinely interface with industry research and business leaders from corporate sector, which includes materials and energy (3M, ExxonMobil, GE, Tesla, Applied Materials, IBM) and pharma and biotech (Pfizer, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Corteva Agrosciences). They will also connect with multiple start-ups and several government and non-profit organizations. A significant industrial recruiting effort on campus is anticipated as part of this program.

To learn more and apply, visit the MACS program website. The application deadline is January 10, 2025.