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The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine is offering fellowships for its 2025 Undergraduate Summer Scholar Research Program focused on translational tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The ability to engineer functional tissues and organs in the laboratory requires the coordinated expertise of many disciplines of science, engineering and clinical practice, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, and physiology. Through our annual Summer Scholars Research Program, the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) offers undergraduate students’ opportunities to experience this exciting, multidisciplinary research firsthand. Since inception in 2007, WFIRM has been committed to undergraduate research with nearly 900 undergraduate students trained.  As the regenerative medicine field advances and incorporates new approaches, including biomanufacturing and biofabrication, we are currently seeking applications for the 2025 program, to be held May 28 to August 1, 2025. Accepted students conduct research under the supervision of prominent regenerative medicine scientists and their teams. In addition to hands-on research and instrumental training, students participate in specialized seminars and courses, write a research summary, conduct an oral presentation, and have the opportunity to see their work published. Selected scholars receive a $6,000 stipend for the 10-week period with housing at Wake Forest dorms. 

The program includes:  Individually tailored research with faculty mentor(s) and their team; Short courses and seminars on key topics in regenerative medicine; Professional development; Scientific communication skills development with final research symposium and poster session presentations; Social and networking opportunities; Graduate and medical school advising; and opportunities to co-author and present your research in oral and poster format at WFIRM and professional meetings.  The program is competitive, and we anticipate a diverse cohort of 24 for the 2025 program. Applicants should be community/technical college and/or undergraduates pursuing degrees in engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, biology, premedicine, and related fields to be eligible and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher (on the 4.0 scale). They must have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate education and be at least 18 years of age by the first day of the program. International students who currently have a J-1 or F-1 visa and who are already attending school in the United States are eligible to apply. WFIRM is committed to providing research opportunities to all students, with interest in applications from students typically underrepresented within fields of science, technology, and engineering. These include African Americans, Latino/Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and disabled individuals.   The main criteria for the selection of summer scholars will be personal scholarship, motivating interests, academic excellence and the match of applicant interests with participating researchers. In addition to the completed online application and personal statements, please the following additional documentation must be provided: 1) An official transcript of your undergraduate studies to date; One letter of recommendation.  This may be from professors related to your major, an advisor, and/or department chair. 

On-Line Applications open November 15, 2024 

Application Deadline:  January 15, 2025 

Visit us at:  www.wfirm.org

See Web to Register for Zoom Info Sessions held November 11, 2024 and December 18, 2024 

QUESTIONS: Email:  summerscholar@wakehealth.edu or contact Joan Schanck at jschanck@wakehealth.edu.

For the anticipated cohort of 24 undergraduate positions; 10 positions (NSF Award #2243993) will be focus on enabled technologies, biomanufacturing and biofabrication and 8 positions will be focus on utilizing regenerative medicine approaches for kidney and urologic diseases applications (NIDDK #R25DK126625).

See full flyer information here: https://school.wakehealth.edu/research/institutes-and-centers/wake-forest-institute-for-regenerative-medicine/education-and-training/summer-scholars-program

How to Apply

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is committed to providing research opportunities to all undergraduate students, with special interest in applications from students who are typically under-represented within fields of science, technology and engineering. These include African-Americans, Latino and Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and disabled individuals. WFIRM is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Process

The WFIRM Summer Scholars 10-week program begins annually in June, ending in August.

Student must meet the following criteria to be considered:

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher (4.0 scale).
  • Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S. or be eligible to work at Wake Forest for the 10-week summer program.
  • Be enrolled in a degree-granting program at a college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico or other U.S. territory.
  • Pursuing a 2-year or 4-year degrees in biology, biotechnology, engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, pre-medicine, or other related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field.
  • Have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate education by the start of the incoming summer program.
  • Have a strong interest in pursuing a graduate, PhD or MD degree.
  • Be at least 18 years of age by the first day of program.

Required Documentation

As part of the application process, prospective applicants will need to submit the following documentation:

  • Completed online application form on WFIRM website
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official academic transcripts (emailed or mailed)

Submitting an Application

Application and transcripts can be sent via email to summerscholar@wakehealth.edu or mailed directly to Joan Schanck, Academic and Research Program Officer.

Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Joan F. Schanck, MPA
1 Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157-7290