Helpful Information For College Advisors
The Four Directions Summer Research Program (FDSRP) is a great opportunity for your students to train in the Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital environment.
There are many different summer programs, looking for the right match?
Do you advise Native Americanstudents? Download our brochure and submit your email address to be added to our distribution list.
The FDSRP is a valuable opportunity for students with a demonstrated commitment to the health of Native American communities, and evidence of motivation to achieve the highest goals possible. This does not require the highest grades (we do not request transcripts) or the most extensive research background (previous research experience is not required).
FDSRP will provide students with the essentials to thrive during and after their summer in Boston. We have 18 years of experience with providing a uniquely tailored program to those with the desire to serve Native American communities through science and medicine.
- One-on-one Faculty Mentoring
- Experience cutting edge research at Harvard Medical School
- Understand the medical and graduate school application process
- Exposure to Native American health care issues
- Integrate Native traditions including talking circles
- Networking with Native American students and faculty
- Group social activities in and around Boston
- Transportation to and from Boston
- Single rooms in the Harvard Medical School student dormitory
- Living Stipend for food and other expenses
- Emergency Accident and Sickness Insurance
Our previous participants say:
“FDSRP helped me shift to a more clinical discipline and enlarged my expectations about what is achievable. The focus and experience I gained at FDSRP were invaluable.”
“I was able to gain firsthand experience with difficult scientific topics, and understand how breakthroughs come to fruition. It reinforced the importance of critical thinking and analytical skills used in research.”
“The support and motivation that the FDSRP offers is exceptional!”
Alumni SPOTLIGHT
Lauren Hensley – FDSRP 2004
Lauren Hensley discovered FDSRP through her involvement with Native American student groups at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the support of mentors she met through the program helped her to focus in on her desire to become a physician. She says she will never forget her experience and the friends she made through FDSRP.
After receiving her undergraduate degree in molecular biology with a minor in Native American studies, Lauren went on to the University Of Chicago Pritzker School Of Medicine, where she is now in her second year of studies. “Being able to interact with other Natives with similar goals and interests was fantastic!” Lauren said. The research experience she gained through FDSRP prompted Lauren to switch majors from engineering to biology, and continue on a path to medical school, a feat she had previously felt would be almost impossible. Now Lauren is working toward her medical degree and aiming to help underserved communities.