Pathways to Research Program (PReP)
PReP is a competitive and prestigious opportunity that provides students with knowledge, skills, and experience in translational science and research.
Since 2012 PReP has provided an opportunity for undergraduate students to begin or advance their research careers in clinical and translational science. The program includes a structured core curriculum that includes a mentored research project, weekly training seminars, small group discussions, and a final abstract and poster.
Program Overview
- Program Details
- Program Expectations
- Application Process
- Application Components
- Eligibility
- Selection Process
- Application Timeline
Program Details
- 12 week, full-time paid internship ($600/wk).
- Program Timeline: 1st week of June – the 3rd week of August.
- Gain knowledge, skills, and experience in translational science through a mentored research project. With input and oversight by the faculty mentor, scholars will work on a project related to the mentor’s ongoing translational research program.
- Thought provoking weekly career development seminars.
- Topic examples: The Translational Science Spectrum, Developing a Translational Mindset, Scientific Presentation and Poster Design, Strategic Networking for Scientists, Research Ethics, Community Based Participatory Research, Imposter Syndrome, Near Peer and Research Career Panels, Mentoring Relationships.*
- Near peer mentoring.
- Cohort of mixed disciplines and educational levels (undergraduate and early doctoral students).
- Network and cohort building activities including a campus scavenger hunt, mentor-mentee social, ice cream social, mid-program lunch, alumni & career panels, and CTSI wide science symposium.*
- Final poster presentation at CTSI Translational Science Symposium and Poster Session in September.
- Opportunities for travel funds to participate in national and international scientific meetings are awarded on a competitive basis at the final symposium and poster session.
*Programming and activities may be adjusted depending on availability and program needs and resources.
Program Expectations
Applicants accepted into the program must agree to the following:
- Commit to full-time (40 hours/week), on-site research training for 12 weeks during the summer.
- Scholars from other UMN campuses or rural MN may attend seminars virtually if accepted, but must attend the orientation, final program seminar, poster session and mentor/mentee social events in person (dates for these will be finalized in the spring).
- Must not concurrently take classes, participate in other research teams or programs, or participate in other activities that might interfere with the program requirements, without prior approval from program leadership.
- Attend and fully engage in weekly career development seminars and program activities, support the learning of their fellow cohort members, and complete all required assignments.
- Prepare a final research poster to present findings and translational components at the CTSI Translational Science Symposium and Poster Session in September.
*List is not exhaustive and may change. Expectations will be detailed in the confirmation of acceptance letter.
Application Process and Components
Applications will typically open the first week of December prior to the program year. During this time a link will be available under “Apply” in the maroon box below this section. This link will take you to the official Request For Applications (RFA) website, which will include detailed instructions and guidelines for completing and submitting an application for PReP.
PReP applicants currently working with a faculty mentor whose research focuses on human health or work that can eventually translate to human health may apply to work with that mentor during the program. Please take note of the additional application components required for applying with a mentor. Mentors must also meet CTSI’s mentor eligibility criteria (see Eligibility section).
Application Components
- Online application form for
- Applicant contact and demographic information
- Application document upload
- Personal Essay
- Resume or CV
- Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Additional components if applying with a mentor:
- Letter of support from proposed mentor (may count as one of the letters of recommendation)
- Mentor’s current NIH biosketch
- Mentor training experience form (provided on RFA website during application window)
Eligibility
Applicants
- Open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled at accredited undergraduate institutions in Minnesota or those with close ties to or spent a significant amount of their life in Minnesota (i.e. graduated from high school or grew up in Minnesota).
- Applicants must have completed at least one year of post-secondary level coursework (can include PSEO) relevant to clinical and translational science.
- Graduating seniors may apply if they can provide evidence of a continued commitment to working in the health sciences or research (i.e. active applications to or acceptance in a doctoral, post-bacc or other research program).
- Strong interest in but limited experience with clinical and translational science research. This program is intended as an introduction to clinical and translational science.*
- Candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those lawfully in the United States on a non-temporary basis.
*Eligibility is limited to those with limited past experience in this field. Questions regarding level of research experience eligibility should be sent to [email protected] with a resume or list of prior research experience attached prior to submitting an application.
Mentors
- Must be UMN or CTSI Hub partner affiliated faculty.
- Commitment to plan for an original research project and to provide dedicated mentorship to the scholar for the entire length of the summer program.
- Commitment to participate in PReP and CTSI-Ed program activities.
- Stable, active, and externally funded CTS research program with annual research support from one or more national peer-reviewed sources.
- Sufficient funds (mentor or department) to ensure that scholar has the necessary research support.
- Clinical or translational research publication record.
- Some experience with mentoring and willingness to complete mentor training and deepen mentor skills.
- History of working successfully in multidisciplinary research teams.
Selection Process
Completed applications are vetted through a robust review process. Each application is reviewed and scored by one CTSI affiliated faculty member (prior mentors and/or faculty scholars) and one of the program directors. Program leaders and staff then meet to discuss and select the top 12–15 candidates to invite for interviews. Interviews are conducted with at least one program director, one experienced CTSI faculty mentor, and the Senior Program Associate. Program leaders and staff meet again to discuss and make final selection decisions.
Successful applications should show:
- Strong interest in but limited experience with human health, clinical and/or translational research and a desire for an academic career.
- Firm commitment to fully participate in the entirety of the program.
- Evidence of personal competencies integral for success in the program such as: dedication/commitment, maturity, critical thinking, accountability, evidence of teamwork/collaborative spirit, and growth mindset.
- Strong letters of recommendation describing the applicant’s experience, skills and potential to benefit from and contribute to the PReP program.
- Record of academic achievement demonstrating the applicant is in good academic standing specifically in courses related to the health sciences and/or translational research.
Application Timeline*
- Early December: Applications open
- Early January: Virtual Application Info Session
- Early February: Applications due
- Early March: Successful Applicants Selected for Interviews
- Late March: Final Award Notifications
- April: Applicants matched with their mentors
- May: Onboarding
- 1st week of June: Program begins
*Timeline is subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many applications does PReP receive and how many students are accepted?
PReP receives ~40-50 applications and accepts about 7 students per summer.
Does the PReP program cover costs for housing, travel and meals?
No, at this time the PReP program does not cover costs for housing, travel or meals and only provides a weekly $600 stipend. Students from outside of Minnesota or the Twin City area who are interested in applying should reach out to [email protected] directly to discuss options prior to applying.
Do I have to have done research previously to be considered for acceptance to the PReP program?
No, you do not have to have prior research experience to be selected for participation in PReP. In fact, the program is meant to be an introduction to clinical and translational science so we are looking for applicants who have limited experience with clinical and translational research.
Can I have too much research experience to be considered for acceptance to the PReP program?
This question is best addressed on a case by case basis with the program directors. Questions regarding level of research experience eligibility should be sent directly to [email protected] with your resume or list of prior research experience attached prior to submitting an application.
Is there a GPA requirement?
Selection is based upon a holistic approach to each applicant. Although we do review academic merit as part of the review process, it is only one piece of the larger review. We will also take into consideration information provided in the personal essay to account for any change in GPA that may have occurred due to extenuating circumstances.
I have participated in PReP before, can I apply again?
No, you cannot apply for PReP again, but you may apply for the Advanced Pathways to Research Program (A-PReP) if you enroll in a graduate program at the University of Minnesota.
Can I have two mentors?
You will need a primary mentor of record. The mentor of record will be responsible for the Mentor-Mentee compact, approving hours worked, and any other mentor responsibilities. Your primary mentor will need to write the letter of support and the co-mentor will need to write one of the letters of recommendation. The co-mentoring situation and plan must be described in these letters as well as in the mentor-mentee compact.
If selected, you would be expected to devote a full 40 hrs per week to the program working on one specific project. It is permissible to have co-mentors, but your application would need to clearly identify the need for two mentors and how they each will work towards one primary summer project for you (e.g. who will serve as your primary support, where you will complete your work, who will approve your time, etc.).
What does the average day look like for a PReP student?
PReP is a full time summer undergraduate research opportunity. This means that students work full time with their mentors and on their research projects (~37 hours per week), with additional seminars and activities planned throughout the week. There are no set hours for being in your lab, as each lab runs differently. During the first week of the program, a PReP scholar will work with their PI to determine what hours will be best to accommodate lab and program schedules throughout the summer.
Scholars must not concurrently take classes, participate in other research teams or programs, or participate in other activities that might interfere with the program requirements.
Which faculty members are involved in PReP?
We have many different faculty involved in mentoring PReP scholars or other scholars in CTSI programs. PReP applicants are not required nor expected to apply with a mentor, however, if you are currently working with a faculty mentor whose research focuses on human health or work that can eventually translate to human health you may apply to work with that mentor during the program.
Proposed mentors must meet the mentor eligibility requirements listed in the eligibility section above. If you and your mentor are unsure if they meet the requirements, please contact us at [email protected].
What social events will we be participating in during PReP?
We incorporate a few different community-building events into the PReP experience including a campus scavenger hunt, mentor-mentee social, ice cream social, mid-program lunch, alumni & career panels, and CTSI wide science symposium.
The University is also home to several world class attractions, such as the Weisman Art Museum, Bell Museum of Natural History, and Northrop Memorial Auditorium. Coffman Memorial Union and the St. Paul Student Center frequently host student activities. We additionally provide a comprehensive Twin Cities Summer Activity Guide and encourage you to build connections within and across programs, exploring and adventuring together in your free time.
2025 scholars
Former PReP scholars
Habsa Ahmed, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Tammy Butterick
Laida Aragon, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Kim Mansky
Stefanny Ayala, Macalester College
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky
Olivia Evers, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Casey Burrows
Corrina Jones, Northwestern University
Mentors: Iris Borowsky
Lulu Makene, St. Olaf College
Mentor: Rene Pierpont
Alexander McHugh, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Jayne Fulkerson
Ian Palanga, Macalester College
Mentor: Don Simone
Arwa Salih, Macalester College
Mentor: Ebiere Okah
Joshua Segebre, Macalester College
Mentor: Sandra Japuntich
Shania Youssef, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Forum Kamdar
Madelyn Blake, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Kurt Prins, MD, PhD
Dola Greene, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Jessica Nielson, PhD
Elijah Johnson, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Abbie Begnaud, MD
Valerie Nguyen, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Tammy Butterick, PhD
Redeat Wattero, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Ida-Arlaine Fonkoue, MD, PhD
Kamar Abdullahi, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Michael-Paul Schallmo, PhD
Katherinne Fox, Harvard University
Mentor: Ida Fonkoue, MD, PhD
Pierre Mansour, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Gregory Vercellotti, MD, FACP
Sayra Medina Banuelos, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Ida Fonkoue, MD, PhD
Nkechi Okereafor, North Hennepin Community College
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky, MSc, PhD
Soliana Teshome, Johns Hopkins University
Mentor: Manda Keller-Ross, PhD, DPT
Crystal Thao, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Abbie Begnaud, MD
Hossam Halaweish, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Christopher Staley, PhD
Salma Ibrahim, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Bonnie Klimes-Dougan, PhD
Nathan Keller, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Claire Kamp Dush, PhD
Francine Legba, Carleton College
Mentor: Sandra Safo, PhD, MSc
Daniel Mansour, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky, PhD, MSc
Aisha Mohamed, Macalester College
Mentor: Steve Fu, MD, MSCE
Anthony Ruiz, Bemidji State University
Mentor: Melissa Horning, PhD, RN, PHN
Zuani Ventura, Augsburg University
Mentor: Christen Ebens, MD, MPH
Vasthy Anang, University of Minnesota, College of Education and Human Development
Mentor: Glenn Simmons Jr, PhD, Assistant Professor, Medical School
Alexa Carrera, Augsburg University, Biology program
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy
Nicolas Diaz de Leon, Macalester College, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Colum MacKinnon, PhD, Assistant Professor, Neurology
Asiya Hassan, University of Minnesota, School of Nursing
Mentor: Eunice Areba, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Olivia Karanja, University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Diane Treat-Jacobson, PhD, Professor, School of Nursing
Hibo Mohamed, St. Olaf
Mentor: Iris Borowsky, MD, PhD, Professor, Pediatrics
Park Youngjay, University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Hai Dang Nguyen, PhD, Assistant Professor, Pharmacology
Dante Rogers, University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Aaron Kerlin, PhD, Assistant Professor, Pharmacology
Lulua Webo, University of Minnesota, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Mark R. Schleiss, MD, Professor, Pediatrics
Christina Yang, Bemidji State University
Mentor: Jen Granick, PhD, Associate Professor, Veterinary Medicine
Deneisha Bergquist
North Hennepin Community College, College of Liberal Arts
Grace Hernandez
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Joanna Ly
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Ayan Sheikdon
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Pa Thao
University of Minnesota, College of Biological Sciences
Kristin Wilk
University of Minnesota, School of Nursing
Egeziharya Yilma
Hamline University, School of Public Health
Hani Abi
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Nofisat Babajide
Carlton College
Dina Elyamany
MetroState University
Dawson Hill
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Ahmed Idris
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Austin Leikvoll
University of Minnesota, College of Biological Sciences
Cristhian Martinez
Gustavus Adolphus College
Duane Nguyen
Macalester College
Jocelyn Ricard
University of Minnesota, College of Biological Sciences
Libin Said
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Marcos Zachary
University of Minnesota, College of Science and Engineering
Anh Thu Doan
St. Olaf College, College of Biological Sciences
Mariam Fawzy
Augsburg College, College of Liberal Arts
Nik Martinneau
Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Academy of Science and Mathematics
Koushik Paul
University of Minnesota Duluth, College of Liberal Arts
Hok Sreng Te
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Dara Tourt
Normandale Community College, Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Kamal Tusa
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Hamdi Adam, Augsburg College
Mentor: Irina St. Louis MN, PhD
Medinat Akindele, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Natalia Tretyakova, PhD
Quoc Bui, Rochester Community and Technical College
Mentor: Victor Barocas, PhD
Isatou Cham, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Barbara Beacham, PhD, RN
Bridget Curtin, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Reena Kartha, PhD
Kayla Ha, Saint Catherine University
Mentors: Susie Nanney, PhD and Kola Okuyemi, MD, MPH
Karen Herrera, Saint Catherine University
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky, PhD
Thao Hoang, Macalester College
Mentor: Michele Allen, MD
Vy Nguyen, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Katie Cullen, MD
Sierra Trost, University of Minnesota - Crookston
Mentor: Joe Gaugler, PhD
Sonnah Barrie, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Kathleen Call, PhD
Alana Dopp, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Pamela Jo Johnson, PhD
Jace Gilbertson, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Andrew Barnes, MD
Monica Goodman, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Erin E. Krebs, MD, MPH
Pakou Her, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Kelvin O. Lim, MD
Ashley Johnson, St. Catherine University
Mentor: Irina St. Louis, MD, PhD
Kyle Lau, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Logan G. Spector, PhD
Patty Maglalang, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Lisa Coles, PhD
Jessica Pham, Macalester College
Mentor: Kathryn Cullen, MD
Denise Quintanilla, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Iris Borowsky, MD, PhD
Sowda Ahmed, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Mark Schleiss
Samantha Carlson, School of Public Health
Mentor: Alicia Allen
Stephanie Duong, Macalester College
Mentor: Kathryn Cullen
Cedith Giddings, Augsburg College
Mentor: Siobahn McMahon
Virginia Godfrey, University of Minnesota-Morris
Mentors: Kathleen Call and Melissa Walls
Jamie Morissette, College of St. Scholastica
Mentor: Cari Clark
Ammanuel Taye, Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Mentor: Paul Bohjanen
Thang Tran, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Richard Brundage
Abhishek Vaidya, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Erica Schorr
Allison Wolf, University of Minnesota-Morris
Mentor: Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
Olufemi Adams, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Susie Nanney
Sudip Bhandari, St. Olaf College
Mentor: Iris Borowsky
Amy Blakeslee, College of St. Scholastica
Mentor: Sarah Cusick
Paris Delaney, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Ruby Nguyen
Nhat Duong, Normandale Community College
Mentor: Amir Moheet
Mnwabisi Mbangata, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: James Cloyd
Waruiru Mburu, Macalester College
Mentor: Jasjit S. Ahluwalia
Arwa Osman, St. Olaf College
Mentor: Lauren Martin
Sasha Orange, School of Nursing
Mentor: Janet Thomas
Kevin Siem, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Kathleen Thomas
Chelsea Wagner, College of Education and Human Development
Mentor: Cari Clark
Amanda Wanous, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Rebecca Shlafer
Sara Cronquist, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Janet Thomas
Co Duong, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Susan Everson-Rose
Mercy Konchellah, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Jasjit S. Ahluwalia
Hai Nguyen-Tran, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Rahel Ghebre
Nima Odowa, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Naty Lopez
Anthony Osifuye, College of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Kathleen Call
Kendra Radtke, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: James Cloyd
Danielle Swichtenberg, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Carol Peterson
John Tarnowski, College of Biological Sciences
Mentor: Julie Ross
Uyen Truong, College of Science and Engineering
Mentor: Robert Hebbel