NJMS Summer Research Program Goes Virtual

For more than 30 years, select first and second-year students at NJMS have participated in the Summer Student Research Program, a unique opportunity for students to work one-on-one with a faculty mentor and learn about medical research.

The 31 students selected for this year's program began their summer training by participating in a virtual kick-off on June 1. The online orientation featured a keynote speech delivered by Dr. M. Bishr Omary, senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research.

The eight-week intensive program is taking place digitally this year, in response to COVID-19. Students will attend lab meetings online, observe virtual grand rounds, attend faculty-recommended online symposiums, and participate in a "journal club," where they will learn how to examine, present and critique peer-reviewed studies. 

Dr. Deborah Lazzarino, assistant dean of research at NJMS says the program is the "hallmark of research education at the medical school," noting that it often serves as a student's first introduction to practicing clinical research. Dr. Lazzarino also emphasized the value of pairing students with faculty mentors, who often continue to work with their new mentees through graduation.

Over the course of the program, participants will work closely with their mentor to learn how to design and execute carefully controlled experiments and interpret the data. At the close of the program, each student will be required to give an oral presentation on their project.

This year, students will be working on a variety of research projects, including "Methods for Treating and Promoting Bone Regeneration," led by Dr. Patrick O'Connor; a study of drug users currently enrolled in NJ methadone treatment programs, led by Drs. Stanley Weiss and Daniel Rosenblum; and a study of surgical outcomes after pediatric endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery, led by Dr. James Liu.

To learn more about the Student Summer Research Program, click here.