# Undergraduate Training in Gastrointestinal Sciences

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2022 · $106,011

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The number of physician-scientists in the United States has been steadily declining, and there is a greater
need for both physician scientists and Ph.D.'s in gastroenterology research. Early intervention through
undergraduate research opportunities (UROs) increases interest in science-related careers, and quality
mentorship is critical for the development of young investigators and essential to attract more women and
underrepresented minorities into science. To address these needs, in 2001 we established the Undergraduate
Student Scholars Program (USSP), an innovative URO at the University of Pennsylvania which is closely
linked to our NIH/NIDDK P30 Digestive Diseases Center (referred to by us as the Center for Molecular Studies
in Digestive and Liver Diseases). Since the USSP is closely linked to the Center, USSP participants have
access to all of the Center's superb resources and faculty. The USSP received initial funding through an R25
Education Projects (now Program) Grant from the NIDDK in 2004, and this was successfully renewed in 2009
and 2014. The cornerstone of the USSP is an intensive laboratory-based research experience that entails
close interaction with and mentorship by a training program faculty member. This laboratory work is
supplemented by a comprehensive educational curriculum, which includes seminars on topics in biomedical
research, ethics, and laboratory safety, and a focused student research symposium in which students interact
with keynote speakers who are international leaders in academic medicine and biomedical research. Over the
past 5 years, we have successfully trained 54 students (a total of 150 since 2004) from leading colleges and
universities throughout the country, with increasing recruitment and continued mentorship of women and
underrepresented minority students. Following completion of the program, most USSP participants pursue
additional biomedical research training, including through M.D., Ph.D., and M.D.-Ph.D. programs at leading
institutions. The USSP tracks the performance and outcomes of students through longitudinal data and
questionnaires and is guided by multi-disciplinary and experienced Internal and External Advisory Committees,
both composed of thought-leaders in research education and training. The program also works closely with
the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. The
overarching interrelated specific aims of the USSP are two-fold: 1. To foster a strong interest among talented
undergraduates in biomedical research with a focus on digestive, pancreatic, and liver research; and 2. To
establish durable mentoring relationships between talented undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in
biomedical research and supportive faculty mentors. In aggregate, this innovative URO provides the superb
faculty, exceptional scientific resources, and exciting intellectual environment for trainees to expand their
knowledge and in...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10470822
- **Project number:** 5R25DK066028-19
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** JONATHAN P KATZ
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $106,011
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2004-02-15 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10470822

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10470822, Undergraduate Training in Gastrointestinal Sciences (5R25DK066028-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10470822. Licensed CC0.

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