Sunnybrook’s Summer Research Programs
Interested in getting involved this summer with research? It can be hard finding research opportunities, especially if you’re an eager high school student. However, there are many programs out there where you can foster your research skills in various fields of STEM! The Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) for one offers great research programs for both undergraduates and high school students! In this article, I will be briefly summarize some opportunities that students can look further into.
SRI Summer Student Research Program
The SRI Summer Student Research Program is a program for undergraduate students who aspire to pursue hospital-based research. This program runs from May to late August. To be eligible to apply, you must be enrolled in a university program and have achieved at least a B+ average in your most recent school year. For more application requirements, information on eligibility, pay rates, and funding, refer to SRI’s page on the SRI Summer Student Research Program. In this program, students can look forward to an orientation, regular seminars by faculty, and presenting their work! Although applications were due March 17, 2023 this year, look out for this opportunity next summer!
Why Participate?
If you are an undergraduate student who is fascinated by investigating unique topics, especially in relation to hospital and medical research, this program might just be for you! In addition to this great learning opportunity, students in this program will be invited to display their work at the Summer Student Poster Competition in August! This experience is not only a great way to learn about and investigate medicine, but also an awesome job experience.
Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Student Research Program
Another spectacular medical-based research program by the Sunnybrook Research Institute, the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Student Research Program aims to encourage undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience with research. This program typically runs from May to September each year. Similarly to the aforementioned program, you must be enrolled in a university program and hold at least a B+ average in your most recent school year. To apply, students must directly contact the scientist they want to work with, depending on their area of interest. SRI recommends that students include their resumes, cover letters, and transcripts. For more application requirements, and information on eligibility, pay rates, and funding, refer to SRI’s page on the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Student Research Program.
Why Participate?
To get the chance to work with leading scientists in the field is a once-in-lifetime opportunity! Competitive yet fulfilling, filled with seminars by leading faculty, being a part of this program means that you can get hands-on experience with meaningful research and learn about medicine through first-hand experiences.
Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
If you’re a highschool student and wondering how about us?!, the SRI also offers a program just for you guys — the Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program! This program is looking for diligent, keen, and independent high-school students who love maths and sciences. Assisting SRI on various projects, students will get hands-on experience, focusing on the lenses of either biology, programming, engineering and technology development, or experimental work. To be eligible to join this program, you must be at least 16 years of age by July 1, 2023, currently a high school student, willing to commit full-time in person from July to August, maintain strong academic abilities and interests in math and the sciences, and be legally authorized to work in Canada. To apply, you must submit a cover letter, resume, student application form, your transcript, and a confidential teacher evaluation form. For more application requirements and information on eligibility, refer to SRI’s page on Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program.
Why Participate?
The Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program is a competitive program that allows students to explore research through fascinating topics and projects. The Focused Ultrasound Laboratory focuses on the theory, device development, experimentation, and clinical applications of Focused Ultrasound. This device has potential applications in cancer therapy, Alzheimer’s disease, gene therapy, and more! Just listen to some of the past projects high school students have participated in — “building circuit boards”, simulation studies of “focused ultrasound hyperthermia using acoustic lenses for heating large tissue volumes”, “skull segmentation for real-time monitoring of acoustic emissions during transcranial focused ultrasound therapy and stroke therapy”, studying the “effects of focused ultrasound on glial cell activation in a model of Alzheimer’s disease” (Sunnybrook Research Institute) … the list of fascinating areas of research goes on! This program aims to foster passion in STEM and provide students with a unique opportunity to help further research progress.
I hope that this article has introduced some opportunities that you want to look more into! Make sure to check SRI’s website for more up-to-date and detailed information if you wish to apply. Best of luck on your applications, and have a great summer full of fun, sun, and science!
