RESEARCH ENRICHMENT AND PREPARATION
TRAINING PROGRAM (REAP)

Program Description
The Research Enrichment and Preparation Training Program (REAP) is an innovative research program that provides an in-depth exposure to biomedical concepts, modern biomedical research areas, and an intensive, “hands-on”, well structured 12-week research experience.  The REAP program will  match talented medical students with fully funded NIH research faculty mentors, and the program couples the daily research experience with an ongoing series of courses, summer research seminars, peer round table research discussions, oral presentations, and mentoring from outstanding UTMB faculty.  Additionally, medical students will have the opportunity to choose basic, clinical, translational or behavioral research projects.  The program’s goal is to encourage medical students to pursue a career in research in the areas of diabetes, obesity, endocrine and nutritional disorders, metabolic diseases, digestive, liver and kidney diseases, urologic and hematological disorders.

Program Eligibility
The program selection criteria for students’ includes:

• A legal residence within the United States or citizenship
• Successful completion of at least one semester of medical school
• Completed application form
• Two letters of recommendation from medical school professors

• Personal statement detailing interest in basic or clinical research

Dates
The REAP will be held on the campus of UTMB Galveston during the months of June, July, and August 2008. Flexibility will be given to students concerning the begin and end dates of the research project.  However, students must commit to a minimum of 10 weeks in order to receive a beneficial research experience.

Stipend
A $4,328 (10 weeks) stipend will be provided to cover living expenses including lodging and food.  A travel allowance up to $1,000 will also be provided.

Application
Applications will be available online January 1, 2008.  To request an application to be sent by mail, send an email to Driana Urbina, Special Programs Coordinator at durbina@utmb.edu.  All first year students between their first and second year are encouraged to apply.

Click here for REAP Application

All application materials must be received by March 1, 2008.

Selection of Student Trainees
A priority score will be assigned to each applicant.  The process will be a highly competitive because it will provide opportunities for medical students who are truly driven to succeed in a research environment. Special emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s academic record and the recommendations provided by the applicant’s professors.  Aside from these credentials, strong consideration will be given towards the motivation for a research career as noted in the personal statement.  Students will be selected from UTMB and other medical schools across the United States.

Galveston Island
Galveston is a small island tucked deep within the heart of southeast Texas possessing all the charm of a small southern town.  It is 40 minutes south of Houston, Texas, the fourth largest city in the United States. Galveston offers 32 miles of relaxing beaches, superb restaurants, top resort hotels, marvelous downtown shopping, numerous antique stores, incredible art galleries, fabulous entertainment and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country.  From soft sandy beaches to famous 19th century architecture, the island is surrounded with incredible history and unique beauty.

For more information, please contact:
Lisa Cain, Ph.D., Director
Medical School Enrichment Programs
UTMB School of Medicine
Office of Student Affairs
   and Admissions
1.208 Ashbel Smith Building
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, Texas 77555-1307
(409) 772-1212
Idcain@utmb.edu