STRONGER Scholar Summer Research Experience
This 10-week summer education and research opportunity is designed for medical students who want future careers as health care providers, are interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills in addressing tobacco addiction, are curious about tobacco’s intersection with health inequities, and want to develop or hone their abilities to conduct translational tobacco-related research. We are particularly interested in applicants from low-income households or from low-resourced communities, those who are first-generation college graduates or who plan to pursue a career providing care to patients from groups that experience tobacco-related health inequities.
We are accepting applications from scholars who meet one of the following criteria:
- Have been accepted to medical school, with intentions to attend in the upcoming fall semester
- Are currently enrolled in medical school
We are looking for trainees who:
- Have a strong interest in health equity and tobacco dependence
- Are ready to work in fast-paced research labs
- Work well with diverse teams
- Are open to learning and willing to ask questions
- Strive for excellence in their work
- Welcome constructive criticism and critiques of their work in the spirit of professional development
- Are enthusiastic, curious, and self-motivated
- Are timely and responsive to requests and emails
Accepted students will be matched with a mentor from MD Anderson Cancer Center who is actively engaged in tobacco-related research and will participate in various programming activities over the summer, with an emphasis on health equity topical coverage. Of note, scholar “community-building” is part of this program; trainees will remain connected with the STRONGER Scholar program and their interdisciplinary research labs in the year following program completion through brief, virtual quarterly meetings.
This program has a national scope but requires residence for the 10-week summer program in or near Houston, Texas, to ensure availability to participate fully in programmatic activities. If attendance to medical school impedes full participation in the 10-week program, prorated experiences may be possible upon request. Please contact Dr. Lorraine Reitzel at STRONGERScholars@mdanderson.org to further discuss.
Accepted scholars will receive a $6,800 stipend for their participation in this program. This compensation is meant to subsidize cost of living expenses for students and is considered income and subject to all applicable taxes and fees. Additional funds will be provided to those who do not live near Houston in the form of a housing subsidy to support their temporary residence in Houston during the program. Support is available for scholars to present their research at a professional conference, as time and interest may allow, and for membership in professional organizations of relevance to tobacco and ethical research.
The STRONGER Scholar Program includes competence-building in:
- tobacco dependence treatment knowlede
- tobacco research knowledge and skills, with attention to health equity science
- resiliency for a research-inclusive career
- responsible conduct of research through participation in a mentored research project
- translating tobacco-related science into health promotion campaigns (with prizes given for the top campaigns!)
Eligibility & Requirements
We are accepting applications from scholars who:
- Have been accepted to medical school, with intentions to attend in the upcoming fall semester or are enrolled in and attending medical school with good academic standing
- Can participate in the on-site program, which is full-time -- other employment/program participation is not allowed
- Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Trainees from low-income households or from low-resourced communities, those who are first-generation college graduates or who plan to pursue a career providing care to patients from groups that experience tobacco-related health inequities are highly encouraged to apply. Prior research experience is not required.
Dates & Work Hours
- The summer program will operate along the CATALYST timeline, which generally spans the first week in June through early August.
- Trainees will be expected to be available during MD Anderson’s business hours, which are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Application Information
The application timeline is dictated by CATALYST, and generally runs from late November through January/February.
The following information is required:
- Personal information, including but not limited to contact information and address
- Official transcripts from undergraduate universities and medical school, as applicable
- Statement of research experience and areas of interest that details the applicant’s background, research interests, professional goals, and fit with the STRONGER Scholar Program (no more than 3 pages)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Two professional letters of reference
Program Director, Dr. Kara Lewis keleonard@mdanderson.org
Program Manager, Valoree Solis vdsolis@mdanderson.org
Contact
Please email STRONGERScholars@MDAnderson.org with any questions about this program.
