Four Directions Summer Research ProgramResearch
The core of the summer experience is a mentored basic science research project
The core of the summer experience is a mentored basic science research project, where each student is assigned to a medical school faculty member and engages in a personalized research project that culminates in the preparation of a formal research abstract and oral presentation.
The goal of this project is to expose students to research at a competitive academic institution and highlight their own capability to not only survive in such an environment, but to thrive. The one-on-one faculty mentorship provides an opportunity for students to receive highly individualized instruction and to develop a connection that leads to long term mentoring beyond the initial summer experience.
Example of Job Description
A student in the Four Directions Summer Research would focus on one aspect of a project with the goal of completing a small part of that project by the end of the summer. More specifically, a student may work on growing cells, performing cell culture techniques that allow us to look at changes in gene expression in the cells, then manipulate the system to learn more about how changes in gene expression affect other genes and cellular functions. In addition, a student in the laboratory has exposure to all of the ongoing projects and has the opportunity as well to attend laboratory meetings, division clinical and research conferences, as well as, shadowing clinicians during clinical rounds.
Our previous participants say:
“The program gave me an increased feeling of self-confidence in my abilities as a researcher. I also benefited greatly by networking with other American Indian students. Listening to and sharing our personal experiences with health disparities was probably the most powerful aspect of my summer experience…Overall, FDSRP gave me more motivation and confidence to pursue my goals.”
“Research experience was valuable in building my confidence. Interaction with physicians helped improve my professionalism for my current job and increase my confidence for my dental school interviews.
Alumni SPOTLIGHT
Rachel Ray – FDSRP 2003
Rachel Ray chose FDSRP because she knew it would be an incredible opportunity to gain exposure to the medical field, see a different part of the country, and meet other Native Americans interested in health care. She keeps in touch with many of her friends from the program and looks back on her summer fondly. She is especially proud of the several women in her cohort that have gone on to medical school - an accomplishment she says is a testament to the strength of her Native American women ancestors.
Rachel, a Cherokee originally from Broken Arrow, OK, spent her summer with FDSRP working in a pulmonary lab, in which she was later offered a full-time job as a research assistant. She credits this opportunity as being a major stepping stone to medical school. Rachel received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Central Oklahoma, and then attended Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She and a fellow student started a chapter of the Association of Native American Medical Students on the campus to provide better support to Native students.
Rachel is currently completing an internship in family medicine at the University Of Oklahoma School Of Community Medicine in Tulsa, OK. Afterward, she plans to work at an Indian Health Service clinic, and looks forward to providing health care to the Cherokee community. Rachel is also married and has a 7 month old daughter.