BioMed SURF is a research-intensive summer training program in biomedical research for undergraduate students who are members of underrepresented minorities (URM) and plan to obtain a Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences.  The aims of BioMed SURF are to identify URM applicants interested in biomedical research careers; to provide them with an intensive research and didactic experience in biomedicine during a 9-week residency at Yale University School of Medicine; and to provide faculty and peer mentoring resources that extend throughout and beyond the program.

The long-term goals of this program are to recruit URM students to careers in biomedical research and to provide them with knowledge, skills and resources to help them succeed as scientists or physician-scientists.  We expect participants of this program to successfully apply to and complete graduate training programs (PhD or MD-PhD) in biomedical sciences, and to pursue careers in research and/or teaching after graduation.  We anticipate that BioMed SURF students will become highly competitive applicants to graduate training programs at Yale University.

Students eligible to apply to BioMed SURF:

•Are United States citizens or permanent residents who are members of an underrepresented minority in the sciences as defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH); disadvantaged students will also be considered

•Are freshman or sophomores in excellent academic standing at a college, university or junior college

•Have completed at least one semester of college-level biology, chemistry or physics at the time of application'

Applications will be available on October 28, 2016 and will be accepted until January 13, 2017.  Candidates will be evaluated based on their personal statement of background and professional goals, their academic record (transcript), and two letters of reference.  Prior research experience is not required for participation.  Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program by February 28, 2017.  We anticipate accepting up to 12-18 students.

Accepted students will be provided with a $4,500 stipend and housing on the medical school campus.  The cost of travel to and from New Haven will be reimbursed up to $500.  Travel and hotel expenses will be covered for one parent to travel to New Haven for the closing symposium and events. (August 2, 2017).  Students must participate in the entire 9-week curriculum.

Each student will be matched with the laboratory of a research mentor at the School of Medicine, and will pursue a research project under the supervision of the research mentor. Hands-on training in research techniques, data acquisition and analysis will be provided.  Students will be integrated into the research activities of the mentor’s laboratory and will be expected to participate in lab meetings, journal clubs and other scientific activities. 

At the end of the summer, students will present their research in the form of a poster and brief oral synopsis at the closing symposium (August 2, 2017).  Other events during the closing symposium will include research talks from faculty and trainees, a panel discussion on careers in the biomedical sciences, and an opportunity for students and parents to meet and talk to Yale University professors, administrators and students.