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Supported by an R25 award from the NIH/NIDDK since 2004, the USSP is open to students from the University of Pennsylvania as well as outside of the university, and the curriculum is designed specifically for undergraduate students with an interest in biomedical research, with the eventual goal of MD, PhD, or MD-PhD degrees. Applications from women and members of underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged.
During the program, students attend twice weekly seminars designed specifically for them on topics in biomedical research, with a focus on digestive and liver research. At the end of the program, all participants present their research to members of the Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases in a focused USSP symposium and receive a certificate recognizing their completion of the program. Immediately prior to this symposium, students have a private lunch with the keynote speaker who is a leader in biomedical research and/or education - prior speakers have included medical school deans and department chairs, NIH directors, Lasker Award winners, Breakthrough Prize winners, and Nobel Laureates.
The seminars and research experiences of the USSP are also supplemented by social events and activities, including an end-of-summer dinner featuring all students and mentors. Thus, through the USSP, students develop strong and lasting relationships with their fellow students, members of their research laboratories, and their mentors.