Translational Research Immersion Program
Are you an undergraduate student curious about how scientific discoveries become real-world treatments?
TRIP offers a 10-week summer experience at Penn Medicine designed to introduce students to the field of clinical and translational research. Translational research is the process of turning scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that improve human health. It connects basic science—like genetics, molecular biology, and data analysis—with clinical practice to better understand disease and develop effective treatments.
Students are welcome from 9 partnering institutions to work alongside faculty mentors, participate in an enriching curriculum, and engage with the ITMAT Artist in Residence to explore creative approaches to science communication. Whether you're new to research or already have lab experience, TRIP provides a supportive environment where you can explore science and medicine through hands-on research, mentorship, and professional development. TRIP is more than a summer program—it’s a launchpad for your future in biomedical science.
Join us May 26 – July 31, 2026. Participants receive:
- On-campus housing
- $500 travel allowance for roundtrip air or train travel
- $5,000 research award for full-time (40 hours/wk) summer research
Applications open December 1 and close February 1 for Summer 2026.
Request Information Review Application Requirements Register for an Info SessionApply Now
Alumni Spotlights
Colin DeLaney
Colin, a neuroscience major at Swarthmore College (Class of 2025), plans to attend medical school after graduation. TRIP has been instrumental in his development as both a scientist and future physician. His work in the Blendy Lab was engaging and relevant to his translational interests, focusing on the relationship between social defeat stress and the pharmacological basis of opioid abuse in mice. Through his experience, he gained valuable research skills and a deeper appreciation for the connection between bench science and clinical practice. Colin continued working with the Blendy Lab beyond the 10-weeks, focusing on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in mice.
Ashrith Kandula
Ashrith is a junior at Haverford College, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry. After college, he plans to attend medical school and continue his research in neurogenetics, ultimately contributing to the development of novel treatments. His TRIP experience reinforced his commitment to translational research through exceptional mentorship and a supportive learning environment. The opportunity to shadow his PI in the clinic provided firsthand exposure to the diagnosis and care of children affected by epilepsy, emphasizing the critical connection between bench research and its clinical applications.
In Dr. Eric Marsh’s lab at CHOP, Ashrith investigated the impact of an ARX mutation on hippocampal signaling in a mouse model of Infantile Spasms Syndrome. Using electrophysiological recordings, he uncovered evidence of altered synaptic transmission and impaired cholinergic modulation in this epileptic encephalopathy, potentially revealing underlying physiological mechanisms. He hopes to continue his work in the Marsh lab during his senior thesis by expanding to other neurogenetic disorders, such as those caused by mutations in IQSEC2 and AP3B2.
Maria Fernandez
Maria is currently a senior majoring in Biology and plans to attend medical school upon graduation. Her experience in this program was enriching. She shared, "I've really enjoyed everything we've done, from the creative activities with the artist-in-residence program to the weekly sessions where we get to hear from amazing doctors and researchers about their research and careers."
Maria emphasized the strong sense of community within the cohort, noting that "everyone is so helpful, and the guidance we receive really clarifies every step for the future."
She had a fantastic experience working with her mentor in the O'Connor Lab, where she engaged in cutting-edge research on CAR T-cell therapy. "It's been an invaluable experience to see the future of cancer therapy firsthand," she said.
Christian Crockem
Christian is a junior Biology-Premed major at Xavier University of Louisiana. He plans to attend medical school after graduation.
Christian describes TRIP as one of the most fulfilling experiences he's ever had. Through the program, he got to expand his research horizons, learn from accomplished medical professionals, and build friendships with amazing, like-minded peers. He also found the artist-in-residence component unique, noting that translating his research into art provided him with insight into how to bridge the gap between community engagement and scientific discovery.
Christian worked under Dr. Peter Klein studying RNA splicing in leukemia cells. In addition to contributing to research and developing wet-lab skills, he shadowed Dr. Klein in his role as a Hematology attending at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Rebecca Voss
Rebecca is a senior at Haverford College majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Health Studies on the pre-health track. After graduating, she plans to take a year or two to pursue further research and then attend medical school.
Rebecca describes her experience with TRIP as truly amazing. She found the cohort incredibly inspiring, living alongside and forming friendships with peers who share such a genuine passion for translational research. The TRIP curriculum introduced her to cutting-edge research and helped shape her research interests. Most importantly, she appreciated TRIP's emphasis on fostering quality mentorship, which she received not only from Dr. Oathes, but also from the program organizers and guest professors who supported her throughout the student presentations.
Through TRIP, Rebecca had the opportunity to work with Dr. Desmond Oathes at the Center for Brain Imaging and Stimulation (CBIS), where she investigated methods to personalize both the target location and frequency of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to improve depression treatment outcomes. She has continued working with CBIS in a clinical capacity this fall semester. Rebecca describes working in a lab so deeply committed to improving participants' lives has been incredibly fulfilling and is excited to continue her collaboration.