Student Research Opportunities
The academic strength of CUSM and ARMC is the commitment of the leadership, faculty, and students to advance the translational research through the integration of basic biomedical and clinical sciences, while engaging global, educational, and community health sciences for promoting health and curing illness.
The traditional approach to research as a standalone and isolated component of the higher education institution is not effective anymore. The inquiry and discovery processes at CUSM and ARMC are based on research integration of basic biomedical, clinical, and global sciences. This approach serves our mission to advance the concepts of biomedical, clinical, and global health sciences through scholarly activity and develop the art of applying these concepts to enhance the state of health and reduce the condition of illness for the individual, the family, and the community.
We offer research opportunities that emphasize collaboration among faculty and students at the interdisciplinary level:
Research Department
The CUSM Biomedical Research fellowship recognizes exceptional medical students with a strong interest in advancing biomedical research. This program provides a unique opportunity for CUSM students to conduct original laboratory research through structured, mentored projects, generating meaningful, publishable data to present at national conferences and contributing to the scientific community. The fellowship will provide the experiences and training to help bridge the gap between academic medicine and laboratory research, teaching students to "think like a doctor" in the lab and "think like a scientist" in the clinic.
Purpose
To promote the next generation of physician-scientists by providing rigorous research experience through mentored research projects that foster:
- Enhanced Research & Analytical Skills: Strengthening foundations in experimental design, data collection, and analysis. This includes developing critical thinking to evaluate scientific literature and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex molecular, technical, or theoretical challenges in biomedical research.
- Academic Excellence: Recognition for outstanding research contributions and the cultivation of an inquisitive mindset necessary for competitive residency applications and peer-reviewed publications.
- Career Advancement: Development of professional skills and strategic knowledge required for successful careers in academic medicine or clinical research.
- Broader Impact: Contributing to the advancement of biomedical knowledge and patient care through evidence-based discovery.
Program Benefits
Comprehensive Financial Support
- Two-Year Commitment: The fellowship covers four (4) consecutive semesters, starting from your first year (M1) through your M2 (including PD semester).
- Direct Funding: Recipients receive a scholarship of $4,000/semester ($16,000 total over two years).
- National Exposure: In addition to the fellowship, support will be provided for attending one national conference.
- Publication: In addition to the scholarship, the fellowship covers the cost of publication in a peer-reviewed journal with a strong reputation in the field.
- Mentored Research: Work closely with CUSM faculty mentors in a state-of-the-art research laboratory.
- Scholarly Contributions: Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at national conferences.
- Professional Development: Participate in weekly research discussions, attend departmental seminars, and receive career guidance from leading scientists.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other research-oriented students and academic institutes to build valuable professional relationships.
Professional Development
- Critical Discussion Sessions: bi-weekly sessions will focus on:
- Discussing research findings and methods
- Analyzing data and troubleshooting
- Reviewing the latest scientific literature
- Research Communication: Scholars will be encouraged to:
- Attending and presenting their research at a national conference
- Publish their work in peer-reviewed journals
- Departmental Engagement: Regular attendance at departmental research activities and lectures to enhance professional development.
Eligibility
- Students from M1 with experience in biomedical research and skills.
- Research must be conducted at the CUSM Research laboratory and cannot involve mentors or projects from other institutions.
- Commitment to 4 semesters, including the Professional Development (PD) semester.
- Able to commit between 8 and 12 hours per week.
Application Process
- Application Deadline: September 15th.
- Notification: Applicants will be notified of their decision by October 15th.
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the form link below.
- Application Components: Include a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Diversity & Inclusion
The program is committed to diversity and inclusion among applicants, mentors, and
research objectives.
For the Application form visit the Research Department Sharepoint page.
MD Scholar Program in basic science is a great opportunity for the MD students to distinguish themselves academically to be competitive in the various residency programs.
This is a research opportunity with financial support for laboratory consumables. The MD Scholar programs help the students in establishing their track record of publications and experience in specific research tracks. At the end of the program, the MD scholar student will demonstrate proficiency and autonomy in their research skills in the form of professional peer-reviewed publication/s, presentations, and/or grant writing. MD students who successfully complete this program would be recognized as “MD Scholars” on the Dean’s Letter and will graduate with honors. The program starts from the first year in medical school and is completed in the 4th year before graduation.
A 7-week summer research opportunity with stipend support will be available for MD1 students. The areas of research include:
- Basic Science Research
- Clinical Research
- Educational Research
- Global/ Commmunity Research
SSRP Expectations Objective
SSRP application
Research opportunities are available on a voluntary basis to all students who are interested in maintaining their edge in recent research and scholarly activity trends. The list of available projects and contacts is updated frequently.
List of Research Opportunities
Student Research and Scholarly Activity Grants (SRG)
Grant Proposal Guidelines
- Project title
- Project background and significance
- Project objectives/goals
- Methods and tools that will be used
- Design plan and timeline
- Budget and Justification (not to exceed $1000)
- Citations/references to support your research.
- A statement of feasibility and support from the faculty mentor
