Research Training Program for Veterans Accepting Applications

To improve access to undergraduate research experiences in the area of trauma for groups typically underrepresented in this research–including veterans–a collaborative venture of the Falk College, SUNY Oswego and SUNY Upstate Medical University is recruiting students for its 2017 program June 5-29 on the Syracuse University campus.

The Undergraduate Trauma Research Training program–bringing together veterans and non-veterans in a safe environment to pursue trauma research activities–is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Education for Undergraduates (REU) opportunity.  The program is directed by Brooks B. Gump, Falk Family Endowed Professor of Public Health, and co-directed by Karen Wolford, professor of psychology and coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program in Trauma Studies at SUNY Oswego, and includes other faculty from these institutions as well as SUNY Upstate Medical University.

The month-long immersion program involves coursework, mentored student-faculty interactions, and the development of a research project. Participating students receive a $3,000 stipend for attending the summer session. Room and board are provided free of charge, as needed.

Now in its sixth year, the program draws on personal experiences of veterans who understand the nature and context of traumatic events. By gaining a scientific understanding of trauma, students who complete the program gain essential tools they can use to improve the quality of life for themselves and others, including veterans. Read more about one REU participant’s experience here.

The program is purposefully structured to span one full year. Following the summer program, students continue their research under the mentorship of REU faculty during the fall semester. Finally, students are expected to present their research at a national conference in spring 2018. Travel and registration expenses for the conference are provided by the program.

For more information and to submit application, visit the REU website or contact Ivan Castro at iecastro@syr.edu. The application deadline has been extended to March 14, 2017.