Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Endowed Undergraduate Research Scholars Program Guidelines

Early engagement in research is crucial for prospective medical students. It establishes a research mindset and culture, encouraging continued research involvement across the career course and potentially leading to a career as a clinician-scientist. Exposure to research and fostering a strong research culture enhances critical thinking skills, the practice of evidence-based medicine, and the development of foundational research skills.

Students accepted into the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Endowed Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (OHF URSP) will engage in a longitudinal research experience under the mentorship of a research-active faculty member from the Heritage College, the College of Health Sciences and Professions (CHSP), or a Heritage College or CHSP-affiliated institute. Up to ten students per year will be matched with a mentor and project aligned with their interests and career goals. Faculty participants will be invited to submit project descriptions, which will be compiled into a list for students to review during the application process.

Students will apply to work with specific mentors/projects, and faculty will have the opportunity to review applications from students interested in their work. Final funding decisions will be made by the Heritage College Office of Research and Grants and Office of Admissions based on mentor-student alignment and project feasibility.

The Heritage College will provide the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation with a list of selected students.

Summer Immersion: The program begins with an intensive 8-week summer research immersion from late May through the third week of July.  Students may participate in any summer of their undergraduate education, provided they meet eligibility criteria. During this phase, students will initiate their research projects in areas such as biomedical/basic science, social-behavioral medicine, public health, primary care, medical education, or clinical research. 

The OHF URSP summer immersion includes a core curriculum of seminars on various research-related topics. Students will present their research through an oral and/or poster presentation at the conclusion of the summer phase through the Summer Research Symposium or other event designated by the program director(s). 

• Program Length: 8 weeks
• Time Commitment: about 40 hours per week
• Activities:
  • Initiate research project
  • Attend core curriculum seminars
  • Prepare oral/poster presentation for Summer Research Symposium
  • Explore dissemination opportunitites

Academic Year Engagement: Following the summer immersion, students will continue their research engagement throughout the subsequent academic year(s). This engagement may include ongoing data analysis, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, or extended project development, in coordination with their faculty mentor. Regular check-ins and virtual research meetings will support continuity and progress. The general expectation is that students will engage in the project a minimum of two to three hours per week during the academic year; however, the exact expectations will be determined based on the project.

To ensure meaningful engagement and scholarly development, students will complete three required milestones (e.g., manuscript preparation, poster creation, external grant proposal) throughout the academic year(s). Specific milestones will be determined by the faculty mentor and student and approved by the Office of Research and Grants prior to the end of the initial 8-week summer research immersion. These checkpoints are designed to foster accountability, provide structured feedback, and support students in producing tangible research outcomes.

• Time Commitment: about 2-3 hours per week
• Activities
  • Data analysis
  • Manuscript preparation
  • Conference presentations
  • Extended project development
  • Complete 3 milestones (e.g. manuscript, poster, grant proposal)

Participants receive funding based on proximity to campus and completion of program milestones.

Maximum funding: $5,000 (Summer + Academic Year(s) combined + Mileage Reimbursement, if applicable).

Summer Immersion Support (Choose ONE option)

• Option 1: Stipend
  • For students living near the assigned campus
  • $2,240 stipend (paid in two disbursements)
  • No housing or living allowance provided
• Option 2: Housing & Living Allowance
  • For students participating on the Athens campus and requiring housing
  • Housing provided + living allowance (paid in two disbursements; amount dependent on final housing cost for a total of $2,240 allowable)
  • No stipend provided
• Mileage Reimbursement
  • Up to $255 for students living 60+ miles from assigned campus and driving personal vehicles

Academic Year(s) Milestone Payments

• Three payments of $835 each, contingent on successful completion of approved milestones by deadlines
• Milestone deadlines communicated upon completion of summer immersion and documented in signed agreement
• Failure to meet deadlines without prior approval may result in forfeiture of payment and removal from OHF URSP

The OHF URSP aims to:

• Provide sustained, mentored research experiences for highly motivated prospective medical students.
• Introduce students to scientific methodology and research design through both immersive and extended engagement.
• Enhance students' analytical, critical thinking, and scientific dissemination skills.
• Foster the development of foundational research competencies applicable to evidence-based research in clinical practice.
• Encourage integration of research into medical careers or research-intensive careers as physician-scientists.
• Promote meaningful connections with current Heritage College students, faculty, and staff throughout the academic year(s).

Applicants must:

• Be current participants in the Heritage College Early Assurance Program (EAP). EAP students who will be matriculating to the Heritage College in the fall are not eligible.
• Be at least 18 years of age by the start of the summer immersion program.
• Have completed at least 8 credit hours each of General Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry prior to the beginning of the program.
• Demonstrate a commitment to sustained research engagement during the academic year following the summer immersion.

Interested students should submit the following via the application portal:

• Cover Letter

A one-page letter outlining the applicant’s interest in research, long-term goals, and how participation in a longitudinal research experience aligns with these goals. The letter should also include up to three ranked faculty mentor/project preferences.

• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Including relevant coursework, research experience (if any), and extracurricular or academic honors.

• Unofficial Transcript

A copy of the most recent transcript showing completed coursework and GPA.

• Letter of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor who can evaluate the student’s academic performance, motivation, and potential for sustained research engagement.

• Statement of Commitment

A brief statement (250–300 words) affirming the applicant’s willingness and ability to participate in both the summer immersion and the academic year(s) continuation of the research experience. This should include a general outline of their availability and any anticipated academic or personal obligations.