Program Objectives
Improve and increase participants' research and laboratory skills
Hands-on participation in biomedical research is the core activity of the summer. Students are expected to learn how to design and carry out well-controlled experiments, analyze and interpret results, and troubleshoot their experiments with guidance and advice from their research mentors.Improve students' communication skills and confidence in speaking about science
Our career development curriculum focuses on the nuts and bolts of communicating your science to an audience. You'll learn how to present research papers in Journal Club, how to present your results to your lab during lab meeting, and finish the summer with poster and oral presentations at our Research Symposium.Train students in critical thinking
A key part of our curriculum is a weekly journal club, led by Yale faculty and graduate student peer mentors. We expect students to learn how to read, analyze and discuss primary scientific papers with peers and faculty.
Increase students' knowledge of academic and non-academic STEM careers
Formal and informal interactions with PhD and MD-PhD scientists in a variety of different careers occur throughout the summer. Shadowing experiences are available with Yale faculty and students for those interested in learning more about MD-PhD careers.
Increase students' readiness for graduate school
Our PhD and MD-PhD student peer mentors are available throughout the summer to answer questions about applying to and training in graduate school. Career development workshop sessions address preparing a CV and personal statement, with feedback from faculty and student mentors.
Incorporate students into a network of faculty and peer contacts in science
Graduates of the Yale program stay in touch with program faculty through alumni events at SACNAS and ABRCMS, and ongoing career advice and support from program mentors.