Undergraduate Translational Research Internship Program
Undergraduate Translational Research Internship Program
The Translational Research Internship Program at the University of Pennsylvania provides mentored research experiences in clinical and translational sciences to undergraduate students from Bryn Mawr College, Florida A&M University, Franklin & Marshall College, Haverford College, Howard University, Lincoln University, Swarthmore College, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Puerto Rico. Internships are sponsored by the NIH Clinical and Translational Sciences Award and are 10 weeks in duration, starting May 25, 2021 and ending July 30, 2021. The program provides on-campus housing and a stipend of $4,800.
The application for Summer 2021 is due Friday, February 12th.
Due to the fluid situation with COVID19 we are working with the Penn administration and our colleagues to determine the best format (in person vs virtual vs hybrid) for TRIP 2021. Regardless of the format, we are well-prepared for a successful summer. In the meantime, we enthusiastically encourage you to apply and check back in with us. If you have any questions please reach out to Dr. Carsten Skarke at cskarke@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
About the Internship
Translational research refers to the attainment and transfer of new knowledge from the bench to the clinic — and from the clinic to the bench. Basic scientists provide clinicians with new tools for the diagnosis and treatment of patients and for assessment of impact. Clinical researchers make novel observations about the nature and progression of disease that engage basic investigators. Translational research is viewed as a medium for discoveries to be translated into practical diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
TRIP is sponsored by the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding supports the program to train, cultivate, and sustain the future leaders of the biomedical research workforce. The CTSA-sponsored internship provides a substantial, mentored experience in translational and clinical approaches to understanding a disease and developing effective therapeutic modalities. The project may take many forms, with an emphasis on, for example, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or clinical interventions. The project may or may not involve work at the bench; however, it is usually linked to an established project and requires close interactions with personnel within the mentor's group. The internship also consists of several hours each week devoted to the summer internship seminar series highlighting methodologies in translational research and providing time for interns to share their scientific progress with the rest of the group. The internship culminates with a final symposium which involves a presentation describing the project in terms of the question asked, information obtained, and placement of the work within the larger context of clinical and translational research efforts.
TRIP was highlighted in Penn Today for successfully transitioning to a virtual environment during the pandemic. Read more here.
Requirements
Applicants must currently attend Bryn Mawr College, Florida A&M University, Franklin & Marshall College, Haverford College, Howard College, Lincoln University, Swarthmore College, the University of Pennsylvania, or the University of Puerto Rico.
The program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
Applicants must have completed one year of college.
Preference will be given to students finishing sophomore or junior years.
Students must participate in the entire 10-week program and attend all programmatic events.
Students must demonstrate an interest and potential to pursue a career in the clinical or translational sciences.
Application Requirements
The Summer 2021 application is due Friday, February 12th.
Materials required for a completed application include:
Application form which includes
Statement of personal interests and goals
Resume/CV
Two letters of recommendation (submitted by the recommenders within the system)
Unofficial copy of transcript
Statement of personal interests and goals
The personal statement should provide information regarding the student's interests and career goals. A discussion of scientific or clinical interests is important, of course, but that of other interests and experiences is useful as well. The CTSA leadership is most interested in how an exposure to clinical and translational sciences, such as that offered by the internship, relates to the student's educational and career objectives. Students may, if they wish, describe areas of potential topics for the internship in the statement, but this is not necessary as interests will be fully explored following acceptance. The statement should be 500–1000 words.
Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be provided by two individuals familiar with the student's academic capabilities and potential for work in a biomedical setting. The recommendations should be uploaded by the recommenders to the application system. Students will have the ability to send the link within the system.
Acceptance into the Program
The application will close Friday, February 12, 2021. Applications will be evaluated by ITMAT leadership in consultation with the relevant undergraduate institution. Applicants will be notified by early March regarding the selection committee's decision.
We anticipate 14 TRIP interns for summer of 2021.
For general questions related to the internship, please contact Carsten Skarke, MD, Director of the ITMAT Undergraduate Program.
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