Summer undergraduate research internship

The Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) is the main summer program in the Institute for Academic Medicine, which provides undergraduate college students with numerous opportunities for professional development and career experience in translational research. Students have access to Houston Methodist's renowned faculty mentors who help guide them through proper lab techniques, as well as assigning each intern with their own study or focus area in an active research project. By participating in events such as a welcome reception, sporting events, and a variety of guest speaker presentations, each intern realizes the opportunity for both professional growth and the expansion of their scientific peer network. The summer culminates in a scientific poster symposium where students present the results of their research to some of Houston Methodist's leading scientists. In specific cases, some students are offered the opportunity to continue working with their mentors beyond the internship dates, sometimes even seeing their projects in co-authored publications. Read testimonials from previous interns and hear how the program impacted them and their future careers in science.

"I am extremely grateful to my principal investigator Francesca Taraballi, PhD and mentor Ava Brozovich for allowing me to spend the summer of 2021 working on regenerative medicine approaches to osteosarcoma complications. My project involved examining functional recovery and bone healing in mice from a collagen implant after partial femur removal. The SURI program excels at offering an immersive research experience. Everyone I worked with provided unique opportunities to expand my skill set, allowing me to contribute substantially and remain involved with the lab after the summer ended. I was even fortunate enough to meet and shadow orthopedic surgeons during my time at the research institute. Furthermore, my lab members made every attempt to include me in team lunches and events, building a sense of camaraderie that made my research all the more meaningful. I entered the program primarily as an engineer and emerged a more competent and confident scientist with insights into the treatments, technologies, and terminology relevant to my intended career path. I am happy for all the knowledge and relationships I gained from my lab experience, and they provided an exciting introduction into translational research."

"As an intern in the Cardiovascular MRI lab of Dipan Shah, MD, FACC, I worked on a few different clinical research projects, including a study on the effects of COVID-19 on heart health. The work culture at Houston Methodist is amazing! As an undergraduate student working alongside people with graduate and professional degrees, I was worried that I might not fit in well. My co-workers were always there for me and made me feel really welcome! The internship coordinators also did a wonderful job. They organized a lot of great professional development and social activities, and they helped create a great community among the interns." -Karissa Smith

"I spent two summers (2018 and 2019) working with Rose Khavari, MD and Christof Karmonik, PhD on neurogenic bladders. My projects involved analyzing the grey and white matter from the fMRI and DTI scans of multiple sclerosis patients who have trouble emptying their bladders, to further our current understandings on the supraspinal control over the lower urinary tract. One thing I enjoyed the most about the program is that in addition to learning more about different fMRI analysis techniques, I was able to observe Dr. Khavari and other doctors in the Urology department in their clinics as well as many of their surgeries, and gain a deeper insight of what it takes to be a physician. I was fortunate enough to receive a first-author publication, and continue my research with Dr. Khavari during my gap years before applying to medical school. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to work toward making an impact on patients’ lives, and the incredible mentorship I received, which has inspired and prepared me well as I continue to pursue my career plan."