The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers a variety of summer programs for undergraduate students seeking research experiences in the Biological Sciences. Several summer programs utilize a single online-application and permit students to select up to three programs in which to apply. For more information please visit the websites of the individual programs listed below.
1. The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute Of Texas (CPRIT) Scholar Program
The Cancer Therapy & Research Center of UTHSCSA is a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center that is participating in this program.
This minority undergraduate summer program is eight weeks long and targets students after their first year of undergraduate studies with complement of basic course work in the sciences (biology, chemistry and/or behavioral sciences). Opportunities are available to study molecular biology, animal models genomics and drug discovery as well as DNA repair, cell cycle biology, stem cell biology, behavioral sciences and health disparities. Participating faculty can be found on our website.
2. Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) of the Cancer Therapy and Research Institute
The Cancer Therapy & Research Center of UTHSCSA is a National Cancer Institute
designated cancer center that has a new program for undergraduate students in the
San Antonio area. This minority undergraduate summer program is eight weeks long
and targets students after the freshman year and beyond. The CTRC has 88 faculty members who work across all schools at the Health Science Center. These investigators so research ranging from molecular analysis of tumors to translational research offering a variety of experiences in the different approaches to the study of cancer. Students will be paid hourly wages for participating in this program.
3. Pharmacology
The Department of Pharmacology has a ten-week summer research program which offers participants a variety of experiences that will help prepare them for success in research-intensive doctoral programs. Participants will have research responsibilities, attend seminars, actively participate in a student journal club and take part in formal course work. Applicants to the summer program must be classified as undergraduate students, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and have completed at least one semester each of college level Biology and Chemistry by the end of the spring semester of the year of application.
4. Physiology Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)
The PURE program, hosted by the Department of Physiology, is designed to give talented undergraduates who are interested in careers in Biomedical Research an intensive two-month (June and July) research experience doing cutting-edge biomedical research under the guidance of Departmental faculty.
In addition to bench work, PURE students also attend weekly courses that consist of faculty presentations covering both research and career path, and a journal club. The program concludes with a poster session and reception attended by the entire Department of Physiology. Preference will be given to students who are considering applying to PhD programs in the biomedical sciences. For more information and to apply, please visit the PURE website
5. SURF Program In Molecular Medicine
The 10-week summer research program is designed to expose talented Texas college students to biomedical research, in order to interest them in a career in biomedical research and/or academic medicine. Selected students will participate in scientific research projects in laboratories at the Texas Research Park campus or Long campus of the UTHSCSA in Northwest San Antonio. Participants will also attend undergraduate-level research talks and receive advice and mentoring with respect to preparing for and applying to graduate schools. At the end of the summer, students will present their work in a formal research presentation.
6. South Texas Advanced Research Training-Undergraduate Program (START-UP)
In partnership with St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Trinity University, University of Texas at San Antonio, and University of the Incarnate Word, START-UP offers a unique 2 year opportunity for students interested in pursuing a PhD in the neurosciences. For more information, visit the website
7. Dental Student Research Program
An intensive introduction to dental academics with a hands-on laboratory research experience in basic or clinic research. Accepted students will participate in the program during their dental education, with research conducted on the UTHSCSA campus during June and July. For more information, visit the website
