Summer Undergraduate Research Internship Program

ABSTRACT The long-term goal of the proposed University of North Texas Health Science Center's Summer Undergraduate Research Internship Program (SURIP) is to increase the number of students from underrepresented minority groups, individuals with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds into biomedical and behavioral science careers. Over the last five years, a diverse and motivated cohort of undergraduate trainees experienced hands- on training, didactic enrichment, and networking, emphasizing research careers in substance abuse and addiction research. This renewal application will build upon best practices and lessons learned to broaden access to 1) an inclusive and culturally aware environment 2) resources for trainees to participate in cutting-edge research that complement the mission of NIDA (e.g., students, infrastructure, and programs); and 3) mentoring excellence and mentoring networks for applying to and making decisions of graduate schools. The expected impact is a sustainable program that leads to trainees from diverse backgrounds enter graduate research programs, leading to biomedical research careers.