Dr. Lawson said most students apply because they have an interest in the health-care field. Often, this interest is spawned from a family member who needed medical attention in the past. He also said a number of minority students want to continue their medical education so they can return to their community and work after they complete their education. Throughout the eight-week program, students work on individual projects in UNMC labs. They will display a poster of their results on Aug. 5.
Students can request either a department to work in, or they are randomly assigned to a department.
This year, participating departments include cell biology and anatomy, pediatrics, pharmaceutical sciences, the College of Nursing, the Eppley Institute and the Munroe-Meyer Institute. More than 90 students have participated in the Minority College and High School Student Summer Program over the past 14 years. Dr. Lawson said all but one of the past participants has continued on to college. UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has established itself as one of the country's leading centers for cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation.