PCEN Summer Scholars Program

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology (CHOP PCEN) is pleased to request applications for our 2023 Summer Research Scholars Program. This program aims to inspire future leaders in pediatric kidney disease research by engaging students in meaningful research and clinical experiences in pediatric nephrology.

The program is open to undergraduate, post-graduate, or medical students*. Start and end dates are flexible as academic schedules may vary for each student; however, an 8 week commitment is required. Students will work with a mentor on a research project, and will have opportunities for didactic training and clinical shadowing in nephrology. Students will also attend seminars about research and careers in medicine, and will take one or more courses on epidemiology or data science.

Students will receive a $4000 stipend. Please note: Housing is not provided as a part of the program.

The program structure includes:

1. Practical research training and mentorship
   1. Responsible Conduct of Research training (including, as applicable to the research project: human subjects research, animal care and use in research, laboratory safety)
   2. Full-time research experience on a clinical, translational, or basic science project under the mentorship of a PCEN investigator
   3. Weekly meetings with PCEN faculty mentor
   4. Preparation of an abstract and/or manuscript, as appropriate
   5. Oral presentation of research findings to the Division of Nephrology at the end of the program
2. Didactic training
   1. Participation in Nephrology Fellow's Core Curriculum weekly lecture series – provides exposure to core clinical nephrology topics and opportunities to interact with nephrology fellows
   2. Research Seminars: students will attend weekly seminars or lab meetings as appropriate based on their research project and mentor
   3. Online Instruction: Students will have access to various online training in epidemiology
3. Clinical shadowing in nephrology
   1. Observe nephrology clinic once per week
   2. Attend inpatient rounds once per week.

Eligibility

*Must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. Must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

COVID-19 NOTE: The program may be offered in-person, hybrid, or fully virtual based on coronavirus-related restrictions in summer 2023. Most clinical research projects can be offered as hybrid or virtual, but most basic science and translational research projects will only be possible if in-person student activities are permitted. Classes and seminars are all available virtually, and some clinical shadowing is possible using telehealth or video conferencing.

How to apply

We are no longer accepting applications for Summer 2023. Please check back later for information about how to apply for Summer 2024.

Questions?

Contact Sarah Green, administrative manager, or Dr. Erum Hartung program director.

Sample Schedule

Actual work hours are flexible, but a full-time (40 hours per week) commitment is expected. To ensure maximum productivity and engagement with your mentor and research staff, the expectation is the majority (>70%) of the working hours will be during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

• Morning (AM): Class (Intro to Epi, Database Management); Research Project
• Lunch
• Afternoon (PM): Research Project / Class

Summer Scholars Alumni

View a list of Summer Scholars Alumni.