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PennPREP and CHOP Collaborative
Published on Dec 14, 2022 · Last Updated 1 year 3 months ago
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) partners with the University of Pennsylvania's Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PennPREP) to provide a robust post-baccalaureate experience. The program offers a one-to-two-year research experience for students who have completed their bachelor's degree, are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences and would benefit from protected time to time develop additional skills research. The program provides a full-time research experience in a biomedical science discipline at CHOP, along with preparation for applying to and succeeding in graduate school through the University of Pennsylvania.
The goal of the program is to increase understanding of the principles and practices of biomedical research. The core component of the program is a long-term research project conducted in the laboratory of a skilled faculty mentor. CHOP-based PREP scholars will learn to devise hypotheses, plan experiments, analyze results, and consider the impact of their research on their scientific discipline.
Activities in the lab will be supplemented with opportunities designed to prepare CHOP-based PREP scholars for graduate school, such as:
- Research seminars, retreats, and conferences
- One academic course per semester
- Workshops in scientific writing, public speaking, career advising, and Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
- Free standardized test preparation course
- Application assistance, with a focus on the personal essays, research statements, and interview skills
- Social activities with other Penn and CHOP-based PREP scholars, program staff, undergraduate interns, graduate students, and laboratory associates
- PREP scholars also receive a competitive stipend, including health insurance
Application Information
- Open October 1st, 2022
- Due by March 1st, 2023
- Decision released in April
- Program start May 31st 2023
- Completed online applications
- A statement detailing both your career goals and your area of research interest
- Three letters of recommendation from academic faculty or advisors
- Uploaded copy of your official or unofficial undergraduate transcript (if accepted, official hard copy is required)
- Resume/CV
Mentors
Mentors are drawn from a group of over 800 faculty associated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Mentor matching for scholars is based on a variety of factors, including research interests and mentor / mentee qualities. Learn more about areas of research and our faculty.
Areas of Research
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Genomics and Computational Biology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Application Instructions
In a 1-page document (8.5”X11”) with a minimum of 0.5” margins and at least 11 pt font, describe your academic interests and career goals. If you have had any research experiences, please describe them. State your specific scientific interests and any particular research areas or techniques you’d like to explore. Please upload your statement with your application.
All PREP applicants are required to upload up-to-date unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended. Transcripts from completed programs show proof of degree conferral. A final, official transcript showing conferral of degree will be required of all accepted students prior to matriculation.
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. Try to obtain letters from academic faculty who know you personally and can comment on your academic abilities and your aptitude for research.
Compensation
Students receive a competitive stipend, health insurance, and tuition coverage for up to two courses
Eligibility
Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this program. Applicants must have a degree in a biomedical science from an accredited U.S. college or university and have graduated no more than 36 months prior to the start of the program, and must not be currently enrolled in a degree program. Applicants must intend to apply to a PhD granting graduate program within two years of beginning the PREP program. PREP programs are not intended to prepare participants for degrees solely in medicine. Individuals who bring diversity to graduate study in the biological or biomedical sciences by reason of their culture, class, race, ethnicity, background, disability, work and life experiences, skills and interests are encouraged to apply for the program. Applications are especially encouraged from students who are Black/African Americans, Hispanic/Latino/Chicano Americans, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, and Pacific-Islanders.
