Hands-on summer research experiences for undergraduate students in biomedical fields
Official title: VA Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (VA-SURE)
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11043522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The VA-SURE summer program at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is a friendly opportunity for undergraduate students, especially those from local schools and the Veteran community, to gain hands-on experience in biomedical research while working with supportive mentors to build their confidence and skills for future careers in science.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX007004-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds or the local Veteran community, who are interested in biomedical research.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are not pursuing a career in biomedical research or who are not enrolled in local undergraduate institutions may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System offers a summer program called VA-SURE, designed for undergraduate students interested in biomedical research. This program provides laboratory-based, hands-on experiences where students can learn about experimental design, execution, and data interpretation. It focuses on recruiting students from local institutions, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and the Veteran community, and pairs them with experienced mentors and graduate student peer-mentors. The goal is to enhance students' confidence in discussing science and to prepare them for future careers in biomedical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in biomedical research, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive scientific community.
How similar studies have gone: Similar programs have successfully increased diversity in biomedical research fields and have provided valuable mentorship opportunities for students.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basmajian, Christine M. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Basmajian, Christine M.
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.