A Guide to the Undergraduate Training Program Format and Schedule
The Undergraduate Training Program (UTP) at the Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine features a mix of research, scholarly and social opportunities designed to maximize the student research experience.
The program requires a full-time, nine week commitment for all undergraduate students. You'll be working or engaging in academic activities 40 hours per week, with some special extracurricular activities planned to enjoy the company of your peers and our beautiful Southern California setting.
Here's a brief look at each of the three major components of the UTP experience:
Research
As a UTP student, you'll be one of approximately 15 select undergraduates charged with completing a summer research project with leading scientific faculty at Loma Linda University. Completing this research project and working closely with your faculty mentor will be at the core of your program experience.
We'll do our best to match you up with the research interest noted on your application, and you'll be assigned one of our faculty mentors. You and your mentor will work closely together throughout the summer on your research project with the goal of presenting your findings at our Health Disparities Research Symposium.
The Symposium takes place at the end of the program and is an opportunity to formally present your work in front of faculty, peers and family. It's a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in presenting your research and a time to show off all you have accomplished in the program.
Academic Support
We know you may have many goals as an undergraduate, and the UTP offers ample time for academic support and guidance so that you are well-prepared to advance in your path as a scholar.
You'll attend regular program support seminars such as:
Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine (CHDMM) Seminars
Every Wednesday
This seminar is for all students participating in a summer research program, from high school to MD/PhD students. The focus is health disparities. Specific scientific material will be presented to further expand the understanding and awareness of health disparities in the biomedical sciences and the impact it has on our communities.
UTP/ABC Seminars
Every Thursday
In this seminar, high school and undergraduate research students will learn about topics such as how to create a poster presentation for the symposium, career development, PowePoint presentations, scientific integrity, and other subjects. Presenters will be scientific professors and graduate students.
Extracurricular Activities
The UTP is not just about research and academics. While that's certainly the core focus, an important part of the program is also about making lifelong connections and friends with the other students you'll meet and work alongside with in the program.
We'll give you lots of opportunities to get to know other students in the program, whether through informal campus get togethers or organized group outings. You'll have several organized weekend day trips to get a chance to explore a bit of Southern California and have some fun. Past outings have included Disneyland, Six Flags, Universal Studios, Sea World, La Jolla Beach, Laguna Beach and other places.
When we're in the labs, work is top priority. But, you'll have enough downtime in the evenings and on weekends to relax and enjoy yourself. At Loma Linda, we're big believers in wholeness so we'll do everything we can to not only feed your mind, but your body and spirit as well.