About the Program

The Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research (iCORE) Training Program is a nine-week summer program that provides hands-on and classroom research training for undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, medical, and graduate students. The iCORE program is a collaborative effort between the Institute for Health Equity Research, the Department of Emergency Medicine, and the Center for Nursing Research and Innovation.

The program runs from June to early August and offers a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable research skills and clinical experience in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.

Research Experience

Students in iCORE are paired with a mentor and collaborate with them on a clinical research study. Research experiences include:

• Literature review
• Protocol development
• Instrument design
• Data collection
• Database design and maintenance
• Data cleaning and entry
• Data analyses
• Participation in the writing of abstracts and scientific reports

Program Components

Students engage in:

• An in-person intensive orientation
• Weekly in-person didactic sessions
• A formal presentation at the end of the program

Students may also participate in hands-on ultrasound, simulation, and suturing workshops, offering a well-rounded glimpse into clinical care.

Projects

Would you like to know more about the kinds of projects iCORE students have worked on in the past? Check out our full collection of published abstracts from previous years, featuring the research completed by students in the program.

Who Should Apply

Students with a strong interest in clinical research or health equity research who can complete the nine-week session in its entirety are encouraged to apply. Good written, verbal, computer, and interpersonal skills are required. Applicants should possess the ability to manage their time well, pay attention to detail, and work independently. All students must be matriculated in a program of study at the time of application review.

Consistent and timely attendance, active involvement in research meetings, and fulfilling all research obligations are requirements of this program. Foreign language skills, previous interviewing experience, and familiarity with clinical terms and procedures are strongly desired.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a U.S. academic institution to be eligible for this program. Additional eligibility requirements are as follows:

Undergraduate Students

• Students at accredited colleges or universities who have completed at least one full year of undergraduate coursework.
• Students at community or junior colleges who have completed at least one full year of coursework and are enrolled in at least three courses per academic term.

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Students

• Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a post-baccalaureate pre-health program.

Health Profession Program Students (Graduate Level)

• Students who have completed at least one semester in an accredited program in:
  • Nursing
  • Medicine
  • Optometry
  • Osteopathy
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Public health