Welcome to the Summer Research Program!
If you are planning to participate in a research experience during Summer 2026, please be aware of the following important requirements and steps to complete your application.
Please read all instructions carefully and reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to supporting you in your research journey this summer!
Important Requirements (for website)
CITI RCR Training
All students must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training through CITI before beginning any research activities.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) | CITI Program
When selected for a research placement, you will be required to submit a C-form signed by both your assigned research mentor and SRP team.
Additional Training & Health Clearances
Some research experiences may require additional training or health clearances (e.g., lab safety, clinical protocols, or vaccinations). These requirements will be outlined once partnered with a research mentor.
Partnership Programs
Certain research opportunities may provide a stipend; however, availability and amounts are not guaranteed and cannot be confirmed at this time.
These stipend programs require a separate application in addition to the SRP application:
- NIAID T35
- MSTAR
- Global Health
Global Health has summer research and clinical opportunities available for credit. Some may have stipend available for travel. Please contact Kimberly Turner (kimturne@utmb.edu) for more information.
Deadlines
- Applications open January 5th, 2026
- Applications close January 31st, 2026
- Once paired with a research mentor, you will have 1 week to submit the signed C-form (research mentor) to Ms. Berengaria Navarre
- All required paperwork must be submitted by June 30th, 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged to help secure your placement.
Interviews & Progress Check-Ins
- Virtual Interview: You may be invited to a virtual interview with your potential research mentor and Dr. Pérez.
- Mid-Point Meeting: Students will meet with the Summer Research Program (SRP) team midway through the program to review progress and discuss poster presentation requirements.
Additional Resources
You will have access to the Culture in the Curriculum of Science Online Modules, a series of four interactive modules designed to support your growth as a researcher. Each module includes focused subtopics and brief review questions at the end of each presentation.
We strongly encourage you to explore these modules, as they cover essential topics such as constructing a scientific poster, developing a hypothesis, writing an abstract, and other key concepts that will strengthen your scholarly and professional development.
You may complete the modules at your own pace and will earn four digital Recognition Badges – one for each module completed. These badges can be proudly included on your résumé or CV as evidence of your commitment to responsible and ethical research.
Modules coming soon.
How to Apply
1. Complete the Application Form
Submit your application using the link below. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis for mentor pairing.
After your submission, our office will contact you with next steps.
Access the Application Form (coming soon)
2. Review Research Areas and Rank Your Preferences
You will be asked to select up to three (3) research areas, ranking them in order of preference (1 = top choice).
Our team will do its best to match you with a research mentor based on your interests, experience, and mentor availability.
3. Health Clearance (If Required)
Some research experiences require Employee Health clearance, such as vaccinations or safety checks.
If your selected area falls under this category, please begin the clearance process early to ensure timely placement.
4. Interview
- You may be invited to participate in an in-person or virtual interview.
- You will need to submit a resume highlighting previous lab experience, especially in BSL-2 environments, wet labs, or work with bloodborne pathogens.
- Employee Health clearance, including required vaccinations, must be completed prior to starting your research.
Contact Information
Erik Rytting, PhD
erryttin@utmb.edu
Berengaria Navarre, MS, MFA
bcnavarr@utmb.edu