Research program brings top undergraduate students to MCG

Phillip Strickland of Fayetteville is exploring a career as a biomedical researcher by participating in the Medical College of Georgia's Student Training and Research (STAR) Program. He is a rising sophomore at University of Georgia.

The 10-week summer program, which concluded July 22, enables undergraduates to participate in biomedical research supervised by an MCG faculty member. Participants also attend workshops, discussion groups and laboratory demonstrations that expose them to a broad range of biomedical research techniques and cutting-edge approaches.

"Our STAR students are actively engaged in research projects to learn more about diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, stroke, hypertension and others," said Dr. Patricia Cameron, assistant dean and director of undergraduate research programs in the MCG School of Graduate Studies. Students become part of an MCG research team, which "helps them develop an appreciation for the challenges of biomedical research as well as an understanding of how research discoveries are critical for advancing the detection, treatment, cure and prevention of human diseases."

The competitive program requires completion of at least the freshman year of college and attracts top undergraduate students from across the nation. This summer's 26 participants represent 19 different colleges and universities from eight states.

"The program has a lasting impact on participants," said Dr. Cameron. "Many students who have participated in STAR return to MCG to pursue a graduate education in biomedical sciences in the Ph.D. or M.D/Ph.D. program."

After completing the program, STAR participants write a scientific paper and present their work in a short oral presentation. Students also are invited to return to MCG's annual Graduate Research Day to showcase their research in a poster presentation.

"The aim is for participants to have a fun, learning experience and leave the program recognizing their personal contribution to a biomedical research project," said Dr. Cameron.