On May 28, the Nebraska Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program welcomed 29 undergraduate students from across Nebraska as they embark on their summer research experience at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The INBRE program is overseen by Paul Sorgen, Ph.D., a professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at UNMC and principal investigator of the $16.2 million National Institutes of Health grant that supports the program.
Established in 2001, the INBRE program was created to expose students to serious biomedical research, build a statewide biomedical research infrastructure between undergraduate and graduate institutions and to strengthen undergraduate institution's infrastructure and increase its capacity to conduct cutting-edge biomedical and behavioral research.
The students, referred to as INBRE scholars, enter the program after completing their sophomore year of college upon recommendation by their college professors. The students receive a two-year scholarship and spend 10 weeks each summer conducting research on either their home campus or at UNMC, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Creighton University.
At the end of the summer, the students attend the INBRE annual meeting where they give an oral presentation on their research project.
Below Samantha Rau, a biochemistry major at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, talks about her INBRE experience.
Who is Samantha Rau?
“I am a junior from Lincoln who graduated from Lincoln Southwest. My favorite activities are essentially anything I can do outside including rock climbing, running, biking, camping, or simply spending time with friends. At college, I work for campus recreation, do undergraduate research, and am a part of numerous on campus activities some being the Honors Student Advisory Board, UNK Cornerstone, the Global Loper Program, the Honors News Team, and Chemistry Club.”
Has science always been a part of your life?
“Though I did not know it at the time, science piqued my interest even as a child. Whether it be collecting bugs, learning about plants, or asking numerous questions, I have always had the curiosity of a scientist.”
How is it important to you?
“Upon reaching high school, I became much more aware of the importance of science and its role in improving lives. I have been fascinated with biomedical sciences ever since. I love seeing the improvements in treatments of diseases or conditions and how these changes positively impact lives.”
Why did you choose to participate in the INBRE program?
“I choose to participate in the INBRE program because I am interested in doing research after grad school. I would like to do biomedical research or research that deals with global warming that could benefit the planet. This program offers a taste of what post graduate research would be like and will help me determine if this is the correct career path for me.”
What do you hope to gain from the program?
“I hope to broaden my understanding of biomedical sciences and different types of technology within the laboratory as well as make connections with different personnel and different universities.”
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