Training program for undergraduate students in diabetes research
Official title: Diabetes Institute Summer Interprofessional Research Experience (DISIRE) for Undergraduates
Funded at Ohio University Athens · NIH-11014319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The DISIRE program is a summer opportunity for undergraduate students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to learn about diabetes research through online courses and hands-on projects with experienced researchers, helping to build a diverse future in this important field.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio University Athens NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | February 17, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $94,046 |
| NIH project number | 5R25DK122952-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are undergraduate students, particularly those who are from underrepresented minority backgrounds or Appalachian regions, and who have little to no prior exposure to biological and health sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are already enrolled in graduate programs or those who do not meet the demographic criteria may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The Diabetes Institute Summer Interprofessional Research Experience (DISIRE) program aims to train undergraduate students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, in the field of diabetes research. Over a 10-week summer period, participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes online courses, seminars, and hands-on research projects under the guidance of experienced diabetes researchers. The program specifically targets students from minority-serving institutions and Appalachian universities, providing them with valuable exposure to biological and health sciences. This initiative seeks to foster a diverse future workforce in diabetes research and related fields.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase the representation of underrepresented minorities and Appalachian students in graduate programs related to diabetes and health sciences.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational programs have shown success in increasing diversity in health sciences, making this approach both promising and supported by prior evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio University Athens
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kopchick, John Joseph — Ohio University Athens
- Study coordinator: Kopchick, John Joseph
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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.