Akron Children's seeks applicants for summer research scholars program

10-27-2021 (Akron, Ohio)

Akron Children’s is seeking college students for the 2022 Summer Pediatric Research Scholars (SPRS) program. Applications are being accepted through Nov. 29.

Hosted by the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, the 10-week program is for college sophomores and juniors considering careers in a wide range of health care professions, including physicians, advance practice providers, pharmacists, therapists, nurses, medical scientists and researchers.

Students begin the program in early June and commit to working at least 24 hours per week at the hospital on their research study. Each student is paired with an experienced clinical investigator who mentors the student while conducting a specific clinical research project. Projects may focus on ways to improve the healthcare experience for patients, enhance patient safety or quality of care, or evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical intervention.

In addition to their research requirements, students have opportunities to shadow clinical teams in various hospital departments, ranging from the neonatal intensive care unit to sports medicine. Each Wednesday, students convene as a class to learn about study design, research methods, biostatistics, and pediatric healthcare career opportunities. Students also attend a simulation workshop at the hospital's Simulation Center. At the conclusion of the program, research scholars present their project findings to peers, mentors, hospital staff, and family members.

A stipend for the program is given as a paid scholarship to each student’s college or university. Participants are responsible for their own housing and accommodations.

The application, which must include two reference letters, essays, and a resume, will be accepted through Nov. 29. To apply, visit www.akronchildrens.org/sprs.

A selective interview process will be conducted after the conclusion of the application period. Previous formal research experience is not required.