“I absolutely LOVED this program. It was better than I could even imagine. I learned so many new lab techniques and this cemented my goal of a career in research.” - STAR participant
The mission of the STAR program (Student Training And Research) is to serve as a recruiting mechanism and to provide outstanding hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a research PhD degree in biomedical sciences, nursing or biostatistics at Augusta University. STAR participants engage in research in a supportive environment under the guidance of an Augusta University faculty member and their research team. This level of experiential training provides participants with excellent preparation, relevant knowledge, and practical skills needed to pursue a career in research.
"I loved the workshops and how tight knit our community felt." - STAR participant
STARs attend workshops designed to introduce them to the exciting research areas and state-of-the-art techniques available at Augusta University. Workshops showcase interdisciplinary,
collaborative and team science approaches. Additional activities provide opportunities
for networking, professional development, and guidance on applying to a PhD program.
The program ends with a poster session to showcase the research accomplishments of the STARs.
STARs will receive a stipend of $4,500 (before taxes) for their full participation in the summer session. STARs are responsible for travel, meals, housing, and other personal expenses.
Limited on-campus housing is available for the Summer 2025 session. STAR participants who choose to live on-campus will receive a $1000 subsidy towards on-campus housing expenses.
"I enjoyed getting the privilege to work in a lab that is actively working towards making a difference."
Biochemistry and Cancer Biology STAR Student
"The mentorship I got and the independence I was given was the best part of working in the lab."
Molecular Oncology and Immunology STAR Student
"Learning and getting experience in research topics that I have never been exposed to was a great experience."
Vascular Biology STAR Student
| Application Opens | September 2024 |
| Submission Deadline | January 27, 2025 |
| Document Receipt Deadline | February 10, 2025 |
Awards
Participation in the STAR program is not a passive, observational experience; rather it is an active experience where STARs are challenged to learn, pushed to do, and inspired to be more than they thought they could be. Each STAR participant's hard work, discipline, perseverance and unique spirit results in individual accomplishments and achievements. Thus, to distinguish oneself in such a group of exceptional peers is remarkable and deserves recognition. Congratulations STAR award winners!
