Provides intense research fellowship experiences on the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons campus to undergraduate students nationally The experience is intended to (a) provide meaningful training in biomedical research, and (b) enhance the students’ ability to achieve a career in biomedical research and/or medicine by pursuing an advanced degree (either Ph.D., M.D./ Ph.D. or M.D.). In addition to specific training in the indicated research area, the students receive in-depth training in biomedical research methodology, including: (a) the design and analysis of experiments, (b) a critical reading of the scientific literature, through journal clubs, (c) the presentation of scientific results at laboratory meetings, (d) attendance at convened poster sessions, (e) the preparation of abstracts and manuscripts describing the results of experiments, and (f) career counseling and research ethics.Offers a series of scientific and motivational talks. Speakers have included David Dinkins, former Mayor of New York City; Louis Sullivan, former Secretary of Health and Human Services and founder of Morehouse College of Medicine; Dr. Cecil Pickett, President of Research and Development at Biogen IDEC, Dr. Herman Taylor, Principal Investigator/Director of the Jackson Heart Study, scientists from Merck and Pfizer; Columbia University Deans and scientists and others.

Work directly with administrative bodies to improve quality of life for students

The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a signature initiative of Penn’s VPSE division designed to increase collegiate access for first generation, under-represented students through a summer college preparatory experience offered to rising 10th and 11th grade Philadelphia students. Admitted SMP participants attend an immersive, hybrid, four-week summer program curated by faculty and staff at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, Nursing School, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences/IT, the Penn Carey School of Law, and the School of Dental Medicine). Participants also engage in hands-on, experiential learning-based programming through creatively designed curricula developed to highlight, and offer exploration into the various career opportunities featured by participating Penn graduate and professional school partners. Each year participants gain knowledge and understanding of content including, but not limited to, digital literacy, wellness, personal growth, professional development, SAT test preparation, financial literacy, life skills and post-secondary educational access.