UAB Kidney Undergraduate Research Experience (KURE)
The KURE program incorporates focused training of undergraduate students to foster the development of critical thinking, communication, and hands-on basic and translational kidney research skills. This 8-week program hosted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) will also expose scholars to the rigor and depth of scientific thinking and communication skills that will prepare them to contribute to medical advances throughout their careers.
Participants
Students from campuses located all over the nation who have finished at least their sophomore or junior year of college will be accepted to the 8-week paid summer program to work with UAB faculty members on independent research projects. On-campus room and board will be provided to students. Students will receive a stipend of $2,500 for their participation in the program.
The Curriculum
Each student will work on independent research projects under the supervision of the senior scientist or a senior member of that research group. A policy statement of the expectations will be provided to both mentors and students prior to the beginning of the rotation. The KURE scholars will participate in a unique journal club series designed to give insight into both the basic science and the clinical science aspects of common diseases. At the completion of the 8-week program, students will complete an evaluation of the Program and their individual research experiences as well as participate in a symposium to present their research
Opportunities within the program include:
- Close mentorship on a summer research project
- Networking opportunities with near peers
- Transplant observation
- Field trips to the dialysis clinic and intensive care units
- Oral presentation of your research at KURE Symposium
- Present work at UAB Research Expo and NIH Symposium
Types of Research
The focus of most research projects will be on understanding the physiology as well as pathophysiology of the renal and cardiovascular systems. Students will be involved in research projects ranging from studying the role of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide synthase in renal physiology to investigating how childhood adversity promotes vascular and renal damage.
The following materials are needed to complete the KURE application:
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Minimum GPA of 3.2
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Have taken Physiology course during or prior to application submission
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Continuing undergraduate student (at a minimum through Fall 2020)
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Interest in nephrology-related biomedical research or medical practice preferred
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Statement of academic interest and career goals. If applicable, be sure to highlight information pertaining to cardiovascular and renal research.
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Current resume in PDF format
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Contact information for two faculty writing letters of recommendation
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Academic transcript including your fall 2019 grades. This can be sent in separately any time prior to the February 15 deadline.
Application deadline is February 15, 2020. Visit the UAB website for more information.
Contact Information:
Professor Rudy Ortiz
School of Natural Sciences
Program Director, KURE
University of California, Merced
Email: rortiz@ucmerced.edu
