Category Archives: Research

Postings looking for Honors College researchers

Deadline approaching to apply for a funded summer internship through the PASS Program

by plasmatinc

Apply by Feb. 23 to be considered for the PASS (Pipeline for Aspiring Surgical Students) Program which provides summer internships with the MUSC Department of Surgery.

The Opportunity: The PASS Program provides up to three Honors interns with an immersive 10-week summer experience focused on laboratory and clinical research and designed to prepare students for a career in academic medicine, all under the mentorship of Department of Surgery faculty.

Great Fit For: Aspiring surgeons / Future medical scientists / those thinking about pursuing an MD/PhD or MD/MS and looking to bolster their application credentials

Get Funded: Students accepted into the PASS Program also participate in the Honors Summer Enrichment Program, which includes funding of up to $4000 to support their PASS internship.

How to Apply: Learn more about the P.A.S.S. Program then submit your application online by Friday, February 23 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Summer research internship in the Norris Lab at MUSC with a $4500 stipend award

by plasmatinc

The inaugural Kendra Springs ’23 Memorial Research Award will provide an Honors College student with a $4500 stipend to support a summer research internship in the Norris lab at MUSC.

The Internship: Join the Norris lab in ongoing research into cardiovascular development, investigating the regulatory pathways and cell-to-cell interactions in the developing heart.

  • The internship is loosely scheduled to take place from June 1 – July 31, with exact dates will be determined upon acceptance into the internship program.

The Benefits:

  • Gain experience in a research lab setting.
  • Support data analysis into RNA sequencing and pathophysiology molecular studies on mice.
  • Valuable mentorship from MDs, post-docs, MD/PhD candidates, and more.
  • Bolster your medical school credentials.

How to Apply: Complete the online application with statement of intent + (1) letter of recommendation + resume/CV + unofficial transcript by Friday, March 1.

The Norris lab at MUSC is offering a summer internship for an Honors College student to participate in ongoing cardiovascular research.

  • The intern will be supported by the Kendra Springs ’23 Memorial Research Award, a $4500 summer stipend.
  • The internship is loosely scheduled to take place from June 1 – July 31. The exact dates will be determined upon acceptance into the internship program.

The Research

The Norris lab has over 25 years of experience understanding genetics of syndromic and non-syndromic diseases like mitral valve prolapse (MVP), aortic stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve diseases, and cardiomyopathies.

This particular summer research internship will focus on the lab’s ongoing research into cardiovascular development.

Specifically, the lab is investigating the regulatory pathways and cell-to-cell interactions in the developing heart, focused on protein expression and interactions within and between fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes and their effect on cell proliferation and maturation.

Researchers on the project are currently involved with analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data as well as performing further molecular studies on mice to determine the pathophysiology.

The ultimate goal of the research is to elucidate some of the mechanisms behind heart maturation and development. 

Application Materials

Upload the following application materials through the online application form by Friday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

  • Statement of Intent: Briefly discuss your academic and career goals. Your response should outline why this area of research interests you and what you are hoping to achieve from the experience.
  • (1) Letter of recommendation. The letter can be from:
    • Faculty who are familiar with your science coursework or research skills.
    • A scientist/clinician at another institution who has mentored you in a research experience. 
  • Updated resume/CV.
  • Unofficial transcript.

Funding

The internship is supported by the Kendra Springs '23 Memorial Endowed Research Award, which will provide the intern with a stipend for summer living expenses up to $4500.

The Kendra Springs Memorial Endowed Research Award has been created through the generosity of Clark and Julia Springs and many family members and friends in memory of Kendra Springs. Kendra’s family aims to support internship opportunities for Honors College students who exhibit Kendra’s drive for finding new treatments and cures for cancer. Kendra was a bright light and a constant inspiration. Her ability to tackle complex research questions to make an impact in people’s lives was impressive and her passion for her studies was palpable and unrelenting. Her contagious smile and her quiet, yet unparalleled passion for finding a solution for those with rare diseases will be forever missed.

Kendra was an Honors College student who studied chemistry at the College of Charleston. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Kendra successfully completed an internship at the Norris Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina. Kendra passed away on July 12, 2023.

  • The award recipient is also automatically accepted into the Honors Summer Enrichment Program.
  • To receive this award, recipients must be a current College of Charleston Honors College student in good standing.

MUSC’s Dept. of Surgery offers a funded summer internship through the PASS Program

by plasmatinc

The PASS (Pipeline for Aspiring Surgical Students) Program provides summer internships with the MUSC Department of Surgery.

The Opportunity: The PASS Program provides up to three Honors interns with an immersive 10-week summer experience focused on laboratory and clinical research and designed to prepare students for a career in academic medicine, all under the mentorship of Department of Surgery faculty.

Great Fit For: Aspiring surgeons / Future medical scientists / those thinking about pursuing an MD/PhD or MD/MS and looking to bolster their application credentials

Get Funded: Students accepted into the PASS Program also participate in the Honors Summer Enrichment Program, which includes funding of up to $4000 to support their PASS internship.

How to Apply: Learn more about the P.A.S.S. Program then submit your application online by Friday, February 23 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Apply to Join the HOPE Lab for a Research Opportunity With Dolphins!

by Reese Michaelson

Dr. Leslie Hart is seeking a research assistant to help with a NIH-funded study investigating microplastic and phthalate exposure in wild bottlenose dolphins and their prey!

The Opportunity: Undergraduate students involved in this study will participate in fieldwork with the project lead, assist with sample preparation (including fish dissection), assist a graduate student with laboratory analyses of fish and bottlenose dolphin samples, perform literature searches and reviews, curate databases, and assist with statistical analyses and the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

Benefits:

  • Participate in field research
  • Prepare biological samples for laboratory analyses & develop new ecotoxicological laboratory skills
  • Perform a targeted literature search and develop a literature matrix
  • Formulate testable research hypotheses and perform statistical analyses
  • Enhance your scientific writing and presentation skills

To Apply: Send the items listed below to Dr. Hart (hartlb@cofc.edu) by February 15th, 2024.

For more information, click below, email Dr. Hart, or check out the HOPE Lab’s Instagram.

Research Assistant Job Description

Undergraduate students involved in this study will participate in fieldwork with the project lead (Dr. Leslie Hart, Public Health), assist with sample preparation (including fish dissection), assist a graduate student with laboratory analyses of fish and bottlenose dolphin samples, perform literature searches and reviews, curate databases, and assist with statistical analyses and the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations. The project team will meet weekly to set monthly goals, assess project needs, evaluate project status, discuss challenges, schedule deliverables, and review topic-related journal articles. Training on statistical methods and scientific methods will occur throughout the academic year during these weekly meetings.

Students interested in this project should be prepared to assist with research starting in spring 2024. Preference will be given to students interested in assisting for the 2024-2025 academic year (including summer 2024). Because sample collection, processing, and analysis will occur throughout the year, students must be able to dedicate 10 hours per week during the academic year and 20 hours per week during the summer months, at $11/hr.

Qualifications

  • US Citizen
  • Full-time student at the College of Charleston
  • Research assistants will be expected to commit 10 hours per week during the academic year and 20 hours per week in the summer
  • Research assistants will be expected to travel (domestically) for fieldwork (funding will be provided)

Application Details

If you are interested in this position, please send questions and the following materials to Dr. Hart (hartlb@cofc.edu) by no later than February 15, 2024.

  • Updated CV or Resume that includes all extracurricular activities and employment plans (for academic years and summers)
  • Year of Study, Major, Academic Achievements
  • Unofficial Transcript
  • Writing Sample – submit a copy of your best paper/presentation/reflection that you’ve done for a class
  • Statement of Interest (500 words) that includes all of the following:
    • Previous research experience, if applicable
    • Previous laboratory experience, if applicable
    • What you can offer to the project and how long would you like to work on this project?
    • What you would like to get out of this experience?
    • Why you are interested in participating in this (or any) research?
    • Please describe your specific time management strategies
    • Any other relevant information that you would like to share

Paid Summer Scholars Fellowship for Children’s Research at MUSC

by plasmatinc

MUSC’s Darby Children’s Research Institute is offering the John Covington and Robert Lukey summer scholarship, which provides undergrads the opportunity to perform pediatric clinical and basic science research.

The Opportunity: The scholarship provides summer 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.

  • Recipients will receive a summer stipend in the amount of $4,000 (plus $1,000 for consumable lab supplies), with the potential to continue performing research during the following school year.

Great Fit For: Science and public health majors / Aspiring clinical researchers / Future pediatric practitioners / All grade-levels welcome

How to Apply: Read below or download the application instructions, carefully follow the instructions, then submit your application to Jasmine Ballentine (ballentj@musc.edu) by March 1, 2024.

The John Covington and Robert Lukey Summer Scholarship in the MUSC Darby Children’s Research Institute

PURPOSE

The purpose of The John Covington and Robert Lukey Scholarship is to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to perform pediatric clinical and basic science research.

OVERVIEW

The Darby Children's Research Institute (DCRI) is the research arm of the Department of Pediatrics and the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). 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 undergraduate students with strong interests to gain exposure to a clinical and basic science pediatric research experience in a nationally ranked academic medical center that will advance their career aspirations.

Information on the DCRI and areas of research can be found at the following link: https://dcri.musc.edu

ELIGIBILITY

  • Must be enrolled in an undergraduate accredited US college or university
  • Must be able to physically work in a designated lab for an 8-week

KEY DATES

  • Applications due: March 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm EST
  • Applicants will be notified of awards: March 15, 2024
  • Award Period: June 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024

AWARD AMOUNT

$4,000 stipend for the student fellow / $1,000 for consumable lab supplies

APPLICATION FORM AND DOCUMENTS

Document

  • Font Type and Size Arial,
  • Page Margins No less than 0.5” on all sides
  • Document Type single PDF file

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 Jasmine Ballentine (ballentj@musc.edu), Subject Line: DCRI Summer Fellowship Program

QUESTIONS

Please address questions to Jasmine Ballentine at ballentj@musc.edu

Submit an abstract to present at EXPO 2024

by plasmatinc

EXPO 2024 returns this spring to showcase student research, creative activities, and community service projects from across campus, and your work can be a part of it!

The Event: Thursday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in TD Arena.

The Opportunity: Share your highly impressive undertakings with the local community and gain public presentation experience that will be valuable for future endeavors.

Great Fit For: All students who are collaborating with faculty on research, creative projects, or community engagement.

How to Participate: Submit an abstract by Friday, February 16.

Get your summer research funded through SSME summer research funding

by plasmatinc

SSME undergraduate students are invited to apply for funding which will enable them to conduct summer research.

The Funding: Stipends of up to $5000 are available to successful applicants. Students conducting a 10 week project with a College of Charleston research mentor will be given priority.

Great Fit For: All students majoring/minoring in an SSME discipline and planning to conduct summer research.

How to Apply: Online application by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024.

  • Important: Your faculty research advisor must also submit their own faculty application, so be sure to coordinate with them.

Paid Summer Scholars Fellowship for Children’s Research at MUSC

by plasmatinc

MUSC’s Darby Children’s Research Institute is offering the John Covington and Robert Lukey summer scholarship, which provides undergrads the opportunity to perform pediatric clinical and basic science research.

The Opportunity: The scholarship provides summer 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.

  • Recipients will receive a summer stipend in the amount of $4,000 (plus $1,000 for consumable lab supplies), with the potential to continue performing research during the following school year.

Great Fit For: Science and public health majors / Aspiring clinical researchers / Future pediatric practitioners / All grade-levels welcome

How to Apply: Read below or download the application instructions, carefully follow the instructions, then submit your application to Jasmine Ballentine (ballentj@musc.edu) by March 1, 2024.

The John Covington and Robert Lukey Summer Scholarship in the MUSC Darby Children’s Research Institute

PURPOSE

The purpose of The John Covington and Robert Lukey Scholarship is to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to perform pediatric clinical and basic science research.

OVERVIEW

The Darby Children's Research Institute (DCRI) is the research arm of the Department of Pediatrics and the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). 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 undergraduate students with strong interests to gain exposure to a clinical and basic science pediatric research experience in a nationally ranked academic medical center that will advance their career aspirations.

Information on the DCRI and areas of research can be found at the following link: https://dcri.musc.edu

ELIGIBILITY

  • Must be enrolled in an undergraduate accredited US college or university
  • Must be able to physically work in a designated lab for an 8-week

KEY DATES

  • Applications due: March 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm EST
  • Applicants will be notified of awards: March 15, 2024
  • Award Period: June 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024

AWARD AMOUNT

$4,000 stipend for the student fellow / $1,000 for consumable lab supplies

APPLICATION FORM AND DOCUMENTS

Document

  • Font Type and Size Arial,
  • Page Margins No less than 0.5” on all sides
  • Document Type single PDF file

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 Jasmine Ballentine (ballentj@musc.edu), Subject Line: DCRI Summer Fellowship Program

QUESTIONS

Please address questions to Jasmine Ballentine at ballentj@musc.edu