The STRT program has been continually funded by a grant from the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for 25 years: the Principal Investigator of this grant is Robert Sandler, M.D., M.P.H. This grant funds between 30 and 35 medical students to perform a mentored research project for 8-12 weeks, usually after the first year of medical school. STRT program participants may be from UNC or other medical schools and may complete their research project on campus, in the Research Triangle area, or at remote sites in conjunction with a UNC mentor.

Funding preference is given to students whose research projects fall under the missions of the NIDDK. These include (but are not limited to): GI and Renal Disease.

Stipend
The stipend amount is based on the length of time of the research and the NRSA pre doctoral funding guidelines. The average award for 2008 was $4,328.

Rules Regulations and Requirements

• Medical students are eligible after their first completed semester.
• Students holding an advanced degree or enrolled in the MD/PhD program are not eligible.
• Each awardee is expected to spend 100% of the time on the project during the funded period.
• The project period will be between 8-12 weeks.
• The awardees cannot receive concurrent federal funding.
• The awardees cannot be registered for classes during this appointment or receive academic credit for work performed on the research project.
• The awardees must attend a course in scientific writing, ethics and oral presentation skills if these are offered during their period of appointment.
• At the end of the research experience, the awardees must complete and submit a questionnaire assessing their experience.
• At the end of the research experience, the awardees must write an abstract and a 2-3 page journal-style report.
• All IRB and IACUC protocol numbers must be submitted before starting the project.
• For complete rules governing NIH awards please visit www.nih.gov.

Deadline
The deadline for application for summer funding is February 3, 2009. STRT funding may also be available throughout the year. Off-cycle applications may be sent to our office at any time. Please use the Carolina Medical Student Research Program application.