For undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in health sciences, two of UNMC’s summer pathway programs have proven to be gratifying and life-changing experiences.
Mikayla Peralta, a senior at Colorado State University, joined the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine for 10 weeks to conduct qualitative research in hospital medicine through UNMC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). This competitive program is a collaboration between UNMC departments, institutes, colleges, graduate specialty areas and the UNMC Office of Student Success. It aims to provide summer opportunities for 80-100 undergraduate students to become full-time members of research teams and discover firsthand the broad spectrum of research activities occurring at UNMC.
SURP participants receive a stipend for their work and will present the results of their individual research projects at the Truhlsen Events Center on Aug. 12. The program began on June 6.
“My research has allowed me to go on rounds with internal medicine providers and actually see what their day-to-day is like which I haven’t had a chance to experience before,” Peralta said. “The most gratifying experience I’ve had while being here would probably be networking with all of the administration, providers, and other students here. Everyone here seems to genuinely enjoy what they do, and everyone is always so willing to help and teach you.”
In addition to completing research alongside UNMC faculty members — including Peralta’s research mentor Jana Wardian, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine — her involvement in SURP has given her an inside look at UNMC as a prospective student.
“Seeing everything about the UNMC campus itself while I’ve been here, I could see myself here as a student in the future,” she said. “The kindness here is amazing.”
Reina Fortune’s exploration of summer undergraduate programs in the health sciences took her down a different path. Fortune, a first-generation college student and rising sophomore at the University of Florida, was accepted to the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), which took place virtually this summer due to COVID-19. The program began June 13 and ends today.
SHPEP is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and implemented at 12 universities across the nation, including UNMC. The UNMC program provides scholars interested in Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Public Health with academic enrichment in the basic sciences and math, clinical experiences, career development activities, learning and study skills seminars, and a financial planning workshop.
“My experience in SHPEP has been immensely life-changing,” Fortune said. “Before the program, I knew public health dentistry was a passion of mine; however, I didn’t really understand the entirety of its importance.
“SHPEP expanded my knowledge surrounding disparities in the profession and allowed me to meet professionals who are making tremendous advancements in the field. I have been able to see what I can become.”
Fortune also served as president of SHPEP’s Student Advisory Board this summer, gaining leadership experience in addition to numerous enrichment and mentorship opportunities.
“I have grown exponentially as a public speaker, considering I lead daily opening and closing ceremonies, and as an overall communicator by interacting with the rest of the board, team leads, and peers,” she said. “SHPEP has made me a better student, professional, and leader, and I’ve grown in excitement to embark on my journey to become a public health dentist and world changer.”
For more information about SURP, visit the website or contact Channing Bunch. For more information about SHPEP, visit the website or contact SHPEP program manager
Sonja Tutsch, PhD.