STaRS is a dynamic program that is designed to promote more equitable access to graduate education for students historically underrepresented in science and medicine. STaRS provides scholars with the opportunity to participate in research and enhances the skills required for successful entrance and completion of a graduate program or an MD/PhD program in the biomedical sciences.
Each STaRS participant is assigned a faculty mentor and participates in a biomedical research project from a broad range of topics – including heart, lung and blood research. In addition, the STaRS program includes academic enhancement sessions such as article presentations, research skills seminars and workshops, career path discussions and workshops focused on special topics such as oral and written skills, resume and abstract writing, and applying to a PhD program or an MD/PhD program in the biomedical sciences. Scholars can also enjoy social and cultural activities in Boston!
The program is grant funded through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the NIH and is run by Boston University’s Graduate Medical Sciences,a recognized leader in graduate education and biomedical research.
STaRS offers motivated and academically talented students a valuable opportunity to confirm a strong interest in doctoral studies and a career in research.
COVID-19 Update:
Boston University School of Medicine is currently operating all laboratory facilities at normal capacity. It is our goal to ensure an enriching research experience that adheres to the safety protocols for all university-sponsored research activity, thus we will follow the guidelines for summer programs that will be made available during the Spring semester.
You can refer to Boston University’s coronavirus plans on the university’s Back2BU site for current research guidelines and updates. In 2020 and 2021, the STaRS program was successfully conducted remotely as the COVID-19 pandemic prevented an on-campus experience. Therefore, we are fully equipped to run the program remotely in 2022 should it be needed. All accepted students will be notified of the program format as updates become available.
Eligibility
Consistent with the NIH mission, in order to support a diverse scientific workforce the BU STaRs program is particularly interested in the following groups:
Racial/Ethnic Minorities (American Indians and Alaska Natives, U.S. Pacific Islanders, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and African Americans), which have a longstanding history of underrepresentation,
Students with disabilities (defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities), and
Students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds
Qualified STaRS applicants must have the following:
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Be a rising junior or rising senior at the start of Summer 2022 and currently enrolled in a degree program, part-time or full-time, leading to a Bachelor’s degree.
(*If you are graduating in 2020, please see below.)
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Have an interest in biological research
Have some prior research experience
Two letters of recommendation
* Attention Seniors and Recent Grads: Boston University School of Medicine has launched a one year PREP program. For students who are graduating in 2022 and who would like additional research experience before applying to graduate school, please click here to learn more information about BU PREP.
Application for Summer 2022
To apply to STaRS, an online application must be completed.
While completing the application you will be asked for:
Demographic information,
Why you consider yourself to be from a group underrepresented in biomedical sciences,
Degree program, graduation and GPA,
An electronic copy of your transcript (Note: unofficial is OK),
A resume,
A personal statement of no more than 4000 characters (approximately 600 words),
Research interests, and
Contact information for 2 references
You may return to your application at any time by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the STaRS application webpage. (Please note: to have your information saved, you must access the application from the same computer each time.)
Program Dates
The STaRS application will close on February 1st, 2022. Final decisions will be sent by email around March 31st, 2022.
STaRS Undergraduate Scholar Program tentative dates: Monday, June 6, 2022 – Friday, August 12, 2022
STaRS MED Scholar Program tentative dates: Monday, May 30, 2022 – Friday, July 15, 2022
Research
During the ten week onsite summer internship, scholars will be mentored in the laboratory by faculty and group of lab members from Graduate Medical Sciences. Biomedical laboratories that participate in STaRS reside in the various departments and programs within the School of Medicine and School of Public Health. Research placement is based on each scholar’s research interests. After several weeks of gaining familiarity with the methodology and routine of the team, the research scholar will gradually be guided toward development of an independent research project. The research scholar will present his/her project at a symposium at the close of the program, which recognizes the accomplishment of each scholar of the STaRS cohort.
Enrichment
Research scholars have the opportunity to participate in a variety of enrichment and professional development activities offered through Graduate Medical Sciences, departmental affiliation and/or research team. These activities include science talks, career development seminars and department-specific journal clubs.
STaRS participants are also trained in a number of topics, including scientific communication skills, including oral communication, writing an abstract, preparing and presenting a poster, basic research principles, responsible conduct of research, and applying to a graduate program or an MD/PhD program in the biomedical sciences.
Social Activities
STaRS is located on the Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC) in the South End of Boston, a small multicultural neighborhood with a lively arts community. Boston is defined by its neighborhoods. As a major college-oriented city Boston offers many cultural and recreational activities to engage the varied interests of a large and diverse student population. STaRS encourages opportunities for research scholars to explore Boston, visit major attractions, and meet other like-minded students enjoying summer in the city.
Stipend and Travel Support
As part of the STaRS program, research scholars will receive:
Stipend for program participation
Round trip travel to Boston for out-of-state students
University housing (apartment style dorms)
Do you have questions about the program? Please contact us at starsgms@bu.edu.
Thank you for your interest in the Summer Training as Research Scholars Program. We hope to hear from you soon!
Consistent with the NIH mission, in order to support a diverse scientific workforce the BU STaRs program is particularly interested in the following groups:
