Undergraduate research program focused on obesity and related health issues
Translational Obesity Undergraduate Research Scholars (TOURS)
This program is for undergraduate students interested in learning about diabetes, digestive diseases, and kidney health by working closely with experienced mentors in a lab, where they'll get hands-on experience and help with important health research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10478851 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program provides undergraduate students with research opportunities in the fields of diabetes, digestive diseases, and kidney health. Students will be paired with experienced faculty mentors to gain hands-on experience in a research lab, where they will work on projects related to health behaviors and disease prevention. The program includes a preparatory independent study and a 10-week intensive research immersion, allowing students to develop essential skills in communication, grantsmanship, and teamwork. By engaging in this research, students will contribute to advancing knowledge in critical health areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are undergraduate students interested in health sciences, particularly those focusing on obesity, diabetes, and digestive health.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergraduate students or those not interested in research opportunities may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research program could enhance the educational and career prospects of students while contributing to advancements in understanding and treating obesity and related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous programs similar to this have shown success in enhancing student engagement and research outcomes in health-related fields.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Good, Deborah Jean — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Good, Deborah Jean
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.