Encouraging underrepresented individuals to pursue careers in biomedical sciences and STEM fields
Official title: VA Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11053663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program is designed to help students from diverse backgrounds get involved in biomedical sciences and STEM by giving them hands-on research experiences at the VA, so they can learn how science can improve health care for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006918-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in pursuing careers in biomedical sciences or STEM fields.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergraduate students or who do not identify as underrepresented in STEM may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This program aims to increase the participation of underrepresented individuals in biomedical sciences and STEM by providing hands-on research opportunities through the VA. Participants will gain exposure to various aspects of research and clinical care, enhancing their understanding of how scientific advancements can improve health services. The program focuses on fostering interest in these fields early in students' careers, particularly in the context of the VA's mission to serve diverse communities. By engaging in real-world research experiences, participants will be better equipped to address health disparities affecting the populations they represent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could lead to a more diverse healthcare workforce capable of addressing health disparities more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives have shown success in increasing diversity in STEM fields and improving health outcomes by fostering a more representative workforce.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larue, Amanda C. — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Larue, Amanda C.
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.