Summer 2021 application deadline = February 1st.
The goal of the GEMS Program is to provide summer research opportunities in basic and translational researchin the areas of Heart, Lung and Blood Diseases. The GEMS Program comprises two components, one is made up of undergraduate students and the other, known as GEMS-HP, consists of students currently enrolled in Health Professional training.
The overarching goal of the GEMS program is to support the development of future biomedical scientists by providing undergraduate students with research opportunities and exposure to the realistic lifestyle of biomedical research. Therefore we are looking for students who plan to pursue a lifelong career in research.
Selected undergraduate GEMS interns will participate in an intense ten-week summer research internship program, from June 1 through August 7, 2020. The program will consist of lectures, professional-development workshops, and a mentored laboratory research assignment. Participating laboratories are drawn from basic science as well as clinical science Departments at the UC-Denver Anschutz Medical Campus (UCD-AMC) performing research relating to heart, lung and blood (HLB) diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), vasculopathies, pulmonary inflammation, acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, stem cell regenerative medicine (as it relates to HLB applications), COPD, pulmonary hypertension and pediatric pulmonary disease (i.e Bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Research projects in the fields of biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell and developmental biology, human medical genetics, immunology, microbiology and molecular biology in the context of an Heart, Blood or Lung diseases are common.
As of January 2021, we anticipate operating the summer of 2021 GEMS program on campus from June 1 – August 6. We encourage all students to apply. However, because of the unpredictability of the pandemic, we may need to run the program remotely or possibly cancel the program for all but University of Colorado Denver and Anschutz Medical Campus students. Please check this page for updates.
The program will include:
- Lectures in basic principles of biochemistry and molecular biology
- Training in Responsible Conduct of Research
- Faculty research seminars in various disciplines
- An eight-week laboratory research project
- Academic skills workshops
- Group social events
Eligibility
Students from around the nation (continental US and US territories) are welcome to apply. GEMS interns are selected on the basis of interest in biomedical science research careers, academic achievement and inclusion in an underrepresented group or category (first generation college attendee, low income, financial need, or ethnic identity as African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander). Successful undergraduate applicants will have completed two years of college and demonstrated aptitude in one or more laboratory science courses. Those who will have already graduated by the start of the program and international students (with student visas) are not eligible.
Accepted students must agree to attend the entire length of the program and commit full-time. Students will not be allowed to take extended vacation or days off during the program period. Please note that all of the following components must be received by the deadline, February 1st, in order for the applicantion to be considered:
- Undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial) showing a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and 3.2 in sciences;
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from professors or advisors (at least one from a science professor);
- A personal statement of interest in graduate education, with future career goals and a description of how the GEMS Program fits into your career goals;
- Completion of the online application form.
Evaluation
With guidance from their research mentor, GEMS interns will write a manuscript -style report of their research results and deliver their research findings in a 15-minute oral presentation. Undergraduate GEMS students will be evaluated on their written and oral presentations and their overall participation and performance throughout the summer. The student with the best overall performance will be awarded a paid trip to a national scientific conference to present their summer research project.
Stipend / Living Allowance
Undergraduate GEMS interns will receive a stipend/living allowance of $4000. Out-of-State GEMS participants will be housed in shared student dormitories on a nearby undergraduate campus. Students will need to pay for their meals and for a portion of the room and board expenses (approx. $500.00) out of the stipend but GEMS Program staff will set-up the housing accommodations.
Transportation
Interns will receive round-trip transportation to and from Denver. Airfare will be paid by the GEMS program and students who choose to drive to Denver can be reimbursed for mileage up to the cost of the airfare for the equivalent trip.
Learn more and Apply!