Yue Wang is in Nebraska to expand her research skills.
She came nearly 7,000 miles to do so.
Wang is one of 15 Chinese students taking part in the Asia Pacific Rim Development Program’s (APRDP) Summer Research Program. Now in its fifth year, the program works with current Ph.D. students or medical students from four partnering Chinese universities. They attend eight to 12 weeks of laboratory training under the guidance of a UNMC principal investigator.
Wang, a medical student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, is working with Jingwei Xie, Ph.D., surgery-transplant, investigating novel nanofibers to see if they are able to assist wound healing.
Program to expand?
As the APRDP Summer Research Program evolves, it will work to target UNMC research areas of particular strength such as cancer, infectious diseases, neuroscience, regenerative medicine and others. Interested UNMC faculty can become involved by contacting the APRDP office.
“So far I am really enjoying my experience here,” Wang said. “What impressed me most is that protocols are very specific and clear and are designed to make the best outcome with maximal efficiency. And I believe that respecting and following these sophisticated protocols is what ensures scientific and unbiased outcomes of research.”
APRDP Coordinator Jackie Ostronic said the summer program allows outstanding Chinese students a first look at UNMC.
“We want to reach out to some of the most outstanding and talented Chinese students and show them why UNMC should be at the top of their list,” she said. “The chance to come here, even briefly, really opens their eyes to UNMC and Nebraska, and it gives them an opportunity to connect with people here on campus.”
The program currently has a 15-20 percent return rate for past participants that apply to pursue a Ph.D. or a health professional degree at UNMC.
“Many of these students, given their notable academic profiles, are able to secure funding from the China Scholarship Council to return to UNMC to complete a graduate-level degree. APRDP’s goal is that the participants consider their UNMC exchange experience as a highlight of their educational years and that they return to China as ambassadors of UNMC’s values and brand,” Ostronic said.
“I like it here in Omaha,” Wang said. “People are nice and most of the days are sunny.
“I am so glad that I am in this summer research program. Now I know what it’s like to work as a researcher in the U.S. I realize that there is always more to do to provide better care for patients.”