Student Research Opportunities

The Department of Surgery encourages student research and offers various opportunities for students to become involved a variety of research including basic science, translational, clinical outcomes, educational, global health, and public health.

Summer Student Research Program of Excellence

Funds are available for student research scholarships within the Department of Surgery through the Summer Student Research Program of Excellence.  This is a full time program geared towards students who are interested in pursuing a surgical career.  The purpose is to provide students within the College of Medicine the opportunity to enhance their ability to seek out information, analyze and apply a solution to a surgically defined problem.   Research positions are 8 weeks, unless otherwise approved by the Department and the PI.

Howard R. and Marilyn B. McCollister Memorial Fund Rural Surgery Research Program

Through generous gifts from donors, in the summer of 2016, the Department of Surgery introduced the Howard R. and Marilyn B. McCollister Memorial Fund Rural Surgery Research Program.   Students selected for this program will spend their summer with a faculty sponsor at a rural partner site(s) in Nebraska.  As an extension of the Program of Excellence, the application process, guidelines, and expectations for this program are the same.  Benefits are also the same, with the addition of reimbursement for one round trip mileage.  The Department will assist as much as possible to secure housing.  Ideal candidates will have connections to the rural site.

Guidelines, Expectations, and Application Information

The application cycle for Summer 2024 will open in December 15th 2023.

Additional information about the programs including participant guidelines and expectations is outlined in the program flyer, found here.  Before you apply, you will need to identify a mentor and a research project.  If you need assistance finding a mentor, contact us.

There is one application form used for both programs.  All applications must be submitted using this online form.  You will need to:

*Documents may be uploaded at a later date, but must be received prior to the application deadline.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
These positions are full-time paid positions within the Department of Surgery, where you are considered an employee of UNMC during the dates of your program.  The Department will not support applicants who have any other paid appointment within the University system (UNMC, UNO, UNL, UNK) which will overlap employment dates in Surgery.  Your application will not be accepted if you choose to accept another paid position at the University.  One example of this would be serving as a mentor for SHPEP.  We understand you may not know what positions you will be offered, and therefore, we still invite you to apply.

General Timeline

Application cycle opens December 15th, 2023
Application cycle closes February 11th, 2024
Notification of awards no later than late March.
Completion of research can be done anytime from end of school year (early May) to beginning of next school year (mid-August)

Questions? Contact:

Questions regarding student research programs for the Department of Surgery can be directed to:

Stefani Coleman, BS, C-TAGME
Department of Surgery Education Administrator
stefani.coleman@unmc.edu