Opportunities by learner level
The Center's innovative research training and education program provides comprehensive training opportunities for individuals ranging from high school students to postdoctoral fellows. Our unique portfolio, consisting of National Institute of General Medical Sciences-funded awards, has gained national recognition for its commitment to excellence in education and mentorship. It ensures that participants are well-prepared to excel in their respective fields and contribute to groundbreaking research.
For all general program inquiries, contact our Research Training Coordinator, Khiana Nelson, at khiana.meade@vcuhealth.org.
Training for PreK-12 Students
The Center's PreK-12 Research Program aims to enhance STEM learning for all PreK-12 students. We strive to foster communication between VCU and local public schools, promote collaboration among teachers, students, and university scientists, and establish sustainable infrastructures to support long-term educational innovations.
The Health Educational Research Opportunity-Teacher (HERO-T) program aims to enhance the quality of science teaching and increase student achievement in secondary science classes. This is achieved by offering teachers a comprehensive two-year research and professional development experience.
Contact:
Elizabeth Edmondson, PhD — Director
ewedmondson@vcu.edu
Training for Undergraduate Students
The Center's Undergraduate training program aims to develop a skilled biomedical research workforce by providing essential resources, mentorship, and hands-on research experiences for STEM students. The program fosters early engagement and professional development to equip students with the skills needed for success in biomedical research and drive scientific innovation.
The VCU Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program offers financial support and professional development for undergraduate scholars in biomedical research. Participants engage in mentored research with VCU faculty, present their work at meetings, and attend courses on research concepts, ethics, and career development.
Contact:
Sarah Golding, PhD — Director
segolding@vcu.edu
Carlos Escalante, PhD — Co-Director
carlos.escalante@vcuhealth.org
Stacey Wahl — Coordinator
Stacey.Wahl@vcuhealth.org
The VCU Bridges to the Baccalaureate (BTB) program supports motivated community college students at Brightpoint and Virginia Peninsula Community Colleges interested in research careers in biomedical and behavioral sciences. It provides practical lab skills and research experience to prepare participants for successful transfers to four-year colleges and future careers.
Contact:
Sarah Golding, PhD — Director
segolding@vcu.edu
Training for Postbaccalaureate Students
The term "postbaccalaureate" refers to programs that help those who have earned a bachelor's degree transition to graduate education. The Center's postbaccalaureate research training program provides recent college graduates with intensive research experience and mentorship in biomedical sciences, equipping them with essential skills to pursue PhD programs in the field.
The VCU Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (VCU PREP) is a year-long, paid biomedical research training initiative for recent graduates from underrepresented groups in the field. Aiming to prepare scholars for PhD programs, the program offers mentored research experience, graduate-level coursework, and personalized guidance on PhD program selection, application preparation, and interview strategies.
Contact:
Rita Shiang, PhD — Program Director
rita.shiang@vcuhealth.org
Rebecca Martin, PhD — Co-Director
Rebecca.Martin@vcuhealth.org
Kimberly Jefferson, PhD — Scientific Coordinator
kimberly.Jefferson@vcuhealth.org
Training for Predoctoral Students
The Center's predoctoral training program cultivates future leaders in biomedical research through advanced mentorship, access to cutting-edge resources, and hands-on experience. By fostering collaboration among faculty and peers, the program equips students with essential skills and inspires them to advance scientific inquiry, preparing them to excel in their fields.
The VCU Initiative for Maximizing Student Development Ph.D. Program (IMSD Ph.D.) offers Ph.D. training in biomedical sciences. The program supports participants during their first two years. After completing the first year, IMSD Ph.D. candidates can transition into various graduate programs in biomedical sciences or public health.
IMSD Ph.D. students must first gain admission to a PhD program at VCU, typically through the School of Medicine, though applicants from other disciplines are welcome. Indicate your interest in the IMSD program in your personal statement.
Contact:
Mychal Smith, PhD — Director
mdsmith@vcu.edu
Carlos Escalante, PhD — Co-Director
carlos.escalante@vcuhealth.org
Hamid I. Akbarali, PhD — Co-Director
hamid.akbarali@vcuhealth.org
Training for Postdoctoral Students
Our innovative programs for postdoctoral fellows focus on research excellence and professional growth. We offer specialized training, mentorship, and collaborative projects that enhance skills and foster interdisciplinary connections. By cultivating a vibrant and inclusive research community, we empower our fellows to excel in their academic careers and make a meaningful impact in their fields.
The VCU Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) program aims to strengthen biomedical research by training postdoctoral fellows as future faculty. It focuses on developing research and teaching skills through hands-on experiences at Virginia State University (VSU). The program also enhances collaboration between VCU and VSU by expanding curriculum and research opportunities for students and faculty.
Contact:
Daniel Bullard, PhD — Co-Director
Daniel.Bullard@vcuhealth.org
John J. Ryan, PhD — Co-Director
jjryan@vcu.edu
