This competitive summer program offers $5,000 to support undergraduates in clinical or basic science pediatric research. Gain hands-on experience that can shape your future in medicine or research.
📍 Location: MUSC – Darby Children’s Research Institute
✅ Preference: Students with biological science backgrounds
Learn more about the program and submit your application as directed.
The John Covington and Robert Lukey Scholarship for the
Darby Children’s Research Institute Summer Program
PURPOSE
The purpose of The John Covington and Robert Lukey Scholarship is to provide an opportunity for
undergraduate students interested in pursuing pediatric research. This is the 5th year of this scholarship
program.
OVERVIEW
The Darby Children's Research Institute (DCRI) is the research arm of the Dr. Charles P. Darby J.
Department of Pediatrics and the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital at the Medical University of South
Carolina. The DCRI is comprised of basic and physician scientists working together with a common
goal to perform impactful science that can be translated for the wellness of children’s health. The DCRI
is composed of state-of-the-art laboratories with faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate
students spanning multiple disciplines in childhood health and disease.
The primary objective of The John Covington and Robert Lukey Scholarship is to provide funding for
trainees to gain exposure to a clinical and basic science pediatric research environment in a nationally
ranked academic medical center that will advance their career aspirations.
ELIGIBILITY
• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate accredited US university institution.
• Must be able to physically work in a designated lab for an 8-week program.
KEY DATES
• Applications due: January 19, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST
• Applicants will be notified of awards: Early February, 2026
• Award Period: June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026
AWARD AMOUNT
$5,000 stipend
APPLICATION FORM AND DOCUMENTS
Document
• Font Type and Size Arial, 11pt.
• Page Margins No less than 0.5” on all sides
• Document Type single PDF file
Page 2 of 2
Required Documents/Files
• Cover letter – Include what peeks your interests in pediatric research either basic or clinical. Do
you have a particular area of interest? Are you interested in a particular DCRI researcher from the
information provided on the DCRI website or publications? (1 page)
• Personal and Scientific Background (1-2 pages) – Please describe your educational background in
science, why you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, and how this would enhance or
further your career goals?
• Resume or CV
• Letter of Recommendation (1 letter minimum)
SUBMISSION PROCESS
• Combine all documents into a single PDF file
• Email to Dr. Denis Guttridge (guttridg@musc.edu), Subject Line: DCRI Summer Fellowship
Program