Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute Summer Research Program

The Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute Summer Research Program provides high school and undergraduate students research exposure in the field of diabetes and metabolism. All students are provided with opportunity for bench work, lectureship and participation in an oral presentation symposium. The full session typically takes place from June to August.
 
For more information, please email [email protected].
Program Description
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The AR-DMRI Summer Research Program will provide trainees with research exposure in the field of diabetes and metabolism.  Trainees will participate in supervised bench work, independent study, group discussion, lectures/workshops, abstract preparation, and oral presentation. 

Trainee Research Experience: Trainees are not required to have prior research experience, but they must show the potential and curiosity for research. 

Session: The AR-DMRI Summer Research Program will consist of one 8-week session starting June 16, 2025 and ending August 8, 2025.  Trainees must be available the entire session and will average 20-28 hours per week in the laboratory. Trainees should take under consideration other summer commitments conflicts (i.e., work or classes) before applying.

Orientation:  Mandatory orientation is scheduled for all trainees. Trainees must be available for the all day orientation on June 16, 2025.  No exceptions will be made.  Trainees unable to attend the orientation will not be eligible to participate in the program. 

Stipend: Each accepted trainee will receive a stipend and a certificate at the conclusion of their training.

Oral Presentation Symposium:  Trainees will be required to discuss their research work and present at the oral presentation symposium.  Trainees must be available the week of August 4 for this mandatory event.  No exceptions will be made. 

Evaluation:  The faculty mentor and program director will assess trainee performance.  Participation in the research project, proficiency, behavior, and completion of the research project will be heavily weighted.  At the end of the session, trainees will meet with their faculty mentor at a close-out evaluation meeting.

Responsibilities of Trainees
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  • Adhere to research regulations and participate in any/all prerequisite training. 
  • Be courteous of staff and fellow trainees 
  • Be genuinely interested in the program, ask questions, and show professionalism in their conduct and assigned tasks. 
  • Be prepared and on time.
  • Demonstrate professional behavior in all settings.
  • Display honesty, integrity, and compassion.
  • Follow the rules and regulations of the laboratory at all times. 
  • Please note that City of Hope will offer no health benefits and no housing.  It is the responsibility of the trainee to make their own housing arrangements and provide their own transportation and meals.

Relationship between Faculty Mentor and Trainee:  Trainees and faculty mentors should recognize the special nature of the mentor-learner relationship which is in part defined by professional role modeling, mentorship, and supervision. Because of the special nature of this relationship, trainees and mentors should strive to develop their relationship to one characterized by acceptance and confidence. 

Eligibility Requirements
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Age: Must be between 16-21 years of age by the application due date.

Citizenship: Must be a U.S Citizen or permanent resident and holder of a social security number.

Education: Must be a full time high school or undergraduate college student.

Application Requirements
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Participation: Must be available to participate in the entirety of the program from June 16 to August 8, 2025.

Faculty Mentors: Interested applicants must select up to three AR-DMRI faculty mentors in their application.  Bios on all faculty mentors are available on the AR-DMRI website.

Application: Submit the online application and upload all required documents by April 4, 2025 (11:59 PM PST).  No exceptions will be made.  All applications will require a passport sized photo (.JPG format), resume (to include education, work experience/volunteer experience, and any research experience, if applicable), and optional letters of recommendation.

Letters of Recommendation: Optional letters of recommendation must be submitted to the LOR Portal by April 4, 2025 (11:59 PM PST).

 

Selection Process
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Application packets will be reviewed by a Selection Committee.  All applicants will be notified whether they have been accepted, asked to interview, waitlisted, or not chosen by the week of April 21, 2025.

Due to the size of our program, we are limited to a specific number of students each summer. If an applicant declines an invitation, we will reach out to waitlisted applicants. Please note that we are unable to predict movement on the waitlist.

If accepted, medical clearance will be required prior to starting the program and will include documentation of current immunizations to include influenza, measles/mumps/rubella, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, tuberculosis, varicella, and COVID-19.

Application
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Application is now available

Apply now

Letters of Recommendation
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Optional letters of recommendation must be submitted to the LOR Portal by April 4, 2025 (11:59 PM PST).

LOR Portal