REACH (Research Experience in All-around Cardiovascular Health)
What is the REACH Program?
The goal of this program is to provide comprehensive research training for W&M undergraduates through full-time summer faculty-mentored research with VCU Health Sciences faculty involved in cardiovascular health (construed broadly to include both direct biomedical topics as well as healthcare disparities, management of healthcare data, medical sociology, etc.). Students also participate in a 1-credit W&M class during the semester before the summer research experience, and there is the possibility to continue the research through the academic year, the following summer, and for an Honors thesis.
Project REACH: Students examine effects of chemotherapy on the heart - YouTube
Who Qualifies for the REACH Program
Students with a strong interest in research related to cardiovascular health are encouraged to apply for the program, which will include a 1-credit preparation class at W&M in Spring 2023 and a full-time, 10-week (~May 20-July 30) summer research experience with the Pauley Heart Center in Richmond, VA (including summer health careers programming, a stipend, and free residential accommodation on the VCU campus). Approximately 8 students will be selected for this opportunity each year, and some will repeat for a second summer of research.
The ideal candidate is a sophomore, but juniors and exceptional first-year students will be considered. Students hoping for careers in health-related research, including those planning to obtain an MD or PhD, are strong candidates, but others will be considered.
Application cycle is closed for summer 2023. Summer 2024 REACH Application will be available here in early Fall 2023.
Please email Prof. Dan Cristol to request an application.
