A program to inspire students to develop technologies for kidney health.
The University of Virginia Kidney Technology Development Research Education Program (VA K-TUTOR)
The University of Virginia is inviting undergraduate students to dive into kidney health by first spending 10 weeks learning about the challenges kidney disease patients face, and then working on a research project for 6 to 12 months to come up with new ideas to help solve those problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10788333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The University of Virginia Kidney Technology Development Research Education Program (VA K-TUTOR) focuses on engaging undergraduate students in kidney research through a two-part program. Participants will first undergo a 10-week clinical immersion in nephrology to identify real-world problems faced by patients with kidney diseases. Following this, they will collaborate on a 6-12 month research project aimed at developing innovative solutions to these identified issues. This program not only fosters research skills but also emphasizes entrepreneurship and networking within the field of kidney health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are undergraduate students, particularly those studying biomedical engineering or related fields, who are interested in kidney health.
Not a fit: Patients who are not students or who do not have an interest in kidney research may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new technologies and solutions that improve the treatment and management of kidney diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While this program is innovative in its educational approach, similar initiatives in other medical fields have shown success in fostering student engagement and technological advancements.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Rahul — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Rahul
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.