KGI Summer Undergraduate Research Experience: Launching Future Leaders in Life Sciences
In recent decades, innovative medicines have revolutionized healthcare, offering hope and effective treatments for diseases that were once considered incurable. From managing chronic conditions to curing certain cancers and providing effective therapies for HIV/AIDS, the progress in drug development has been remarkable. However, the path to creating novel drugs is fraught with challenges, being both costly and often resulting in failure during clinical trials. The KGI Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program offers a unique opportunity to delve into this complex world, providing motivated undergraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of drug discovery and development.
An Immersive Research Experience
The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program is designed to train undergraduate students in scientific research. Each program consists of research under a principal investigator, professional development workshops, and a research presentation at the end of the program. The KGI SURE program distinguishes itself by offering an immersive, hands-on experience that exposes students to interdisciplinary research opportunities in various fields, including applied molecular and cellular biology, bioengineering, computational biology, and drug discovery and development. This program is offered in-person, with start dates on June 16 and July 7, and program durations of 3 and 6 weeks.
Who Should Apply?
The SURE program is tailored for motivated undergraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds. It is appropriate for students majoring in biology, chemistry, engineering, business/social sciences, or related disciplines. The program is not open to high school students.
Program Tracks: Tailoring Your Experience
The KGI SURE program offers several specialized tracks, enabling students to focus on areas that align with their interests and career goals. These tracks provide targeted learning experiences and hands-on projects to enhance understanding and skills.
Small-Molecule Drug Discovery (SBDD) Track
The SBDD track provides students with insights into the drug discovery process from both scientific and business perspectives. Participants learn about the complexities of developing new drugs and how this process is managed by a network of innovative biotechnology firms and large pharmaceutical companies. This track combines interactive classroom sessions with a bio-entrepreneurship project, where students analyze an innovative drug development opportunity.
Read also: Managing Alcohol Use in College
Bioprocessing and Bioengineering (BSUITE) Track
The BSUITE track offers opportunities for undergraduate research in bioprocessing and bioengineering, providing valuable experience through team projects. Students engage in bioprocessing for the production of monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, vaccines, and cell and gene therapy. Through this track, participants learn about the technical and regulatory considerations for biopharmaceutical production, including biotechnology and cell line engineering, cell growth, product purification, viral controls, and quality systems.
Lab2Launch Program Track
The Lab2Launch program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to experience how scientific discoveries are translated into products that benefit society. In this program track you will explore the drug discovery process and mechanism of action of different drugs in the fields of neurology, oncology and others. Students who are interested in medicine and research will learn about drug development and approval processes as well as their relation with different disease states. Activities will involve developing and pitching a new drug molecule, i.e., a made-up drug or compound that is in clinical trials.
Medical Device Development (MDD) Track
The medical device development (MDD) track provides an introduction to the medical device industry and product development. Participants will work in teams to explore medical device concepts. The projects will be supported by faculty advisors and daily workshops such as design, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs. It is ideal for engineering students who are exploring industry options; biomedical engineering students wanting business and regulatory context; prospective students selecting graduate programs; and future healthcare professionals who are interested in the design of medical technology.
Population Health Track
This program track offers an intensive exploration of the rapidly-emerging field of population health, and the challenges to the quality of care provided in the current healthcare system. We will use a range of geographic mapping tools to quantify health disparities, social determinants of health, and other upstream factors linked to poor outcomes. Teams of students will be assigned a particular city and health condition to study. On the final day, teams will present an overview of their adopted community, and a diagnostic workup of the condition, related health problems, social determinants, and relevant community resources.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Track
In this program track you will learn how to explore the genetic code using breakthrough technology called Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Teams of students will delve into specific NGS applications, focused on personalized cancer treatment, diagnosis of inherited disorders in children and even in a fetus prior to birth, infectious disease diagnosis, and outbreak investigation.
Read also: Unlock summer legal internships
Career Exploration Track
This track is designed for students keen on unraveling the multitude of career opportunities in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. You will collaborate with peers who share your curiosity and zest for discovery. Together, you will delve into foundational concepts spanning business, innovation, and regulatory frameworks, complemented by enriching career mentorship from distinguished faculty and seasoned industry stalwarts. This program is tailored to foster a deep exploration of your personal strengths and aspirations, guiding you toward a career path that not only aligns with your interests but also amplifies your innate potential. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and transformed as you step closer to finding your niche in the vast ecosystem of healthcare and biotechnology!
Placement into your top selected track or project is not guaranteed.
Application Process
To apply for the KGI SURE program, candidates must complete an online application form that includes questions about their personal and educational background. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for evaluation purposes. A non-refundable application fee of $25 is required, along with a registration fee of $75. The application deadline is April 15.
Contact information for one recommender is required during the online application process. This person should be able to evaluate your qualification and potential for success in our program. You can choose to use a professional or academic reference. Only one recommendation is required but additional recommendations may be submitted if desired. All materials - including one letter of recommendation and official transcript(s) - must be postmarked or time-stamped by the submission deadline. Please allow up to 10 business days for processing once materials are received. Eastern Time.
Benefits of Participating in a Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Participating in a summer undergraduate research program like the KGI SURE program offers numerous advantages for undergraduate students. These programs provide opportunities to explore different types of research, develop essential techniques and skills, and build a strong network of mentors and peers.
Read also: Launch Your Career with BNY Mellon
Expanding Research Experience
A summer research program allows students to expand their research experience beyond their home campus. By working on new projects in different settings, students gain a broader perspective on their field of interest and learn how to adapt to new research environments. This experience can be particularly valuable for students who are unsure of the type of research they want to pursue.
Developing Essential Skills
Through hands-on research and professional development workshops, students develop a range of essential skills, including:
- Bench Skills: Gaining proficiency in laboratory techniques and experimental design.
- Data Analysis: Learning how to analyze and interpret research data.
- Critical Thinking: Developing the ability to critically evaluate research papers and scientific findings.
- Presentation Skills: Improving verbal and written communication skills through project presentations and reports.
Building a Strong Network
Summer research programs provide opportunities to meet and collaborate with students who share a passion for scientific research. These programs also connect students with dedicated professors and mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout their academic and professional careers.
Solidifying Career Goals
Participating in a summer research program can help students solidify their career goals. By gaining hands-on experience in a specific field, students can determine whether that field aligns with their interests and strengths. This experience can also provide students with the confidence and clarity needed to pursue research opportunities in the future.
Personal and Professional Growth
Beyond the technical and academic benefits, summer research programs foster personal and professional growth. Students learn how to work independently and as part of a team, develop problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their abilities. These experiences can be transformative, shaping students into well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges.
A Student's Perspective
One former participant in the KGI SURE program shared their positive experience: ""This past summer 2024, I participated in Keck Graduate Institute's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program in the pharmacogenomics and precision medicine online track supported by Professor Gayle Brazeau and Professor Daniel Brazeau. During this period, I also enjoyed live interdisciplinary lectures in neuroscience, virology, vaccine production, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacogenomics, precision medicine, and other life sciences from various professors at Keck Graduate Institute. I am thankful for this opportunity as an aspiring research scientist and its impact on my professional development. I wish all the members of my team well in their academic journeys."
tags: #KGI #Summer #Undergraduate #Research #Experience #program
