“I absolutely LOVED this program.  It was better than I could even imagine. I learned so many new lab techniques and this cemented my goal of a career in research.” - STAR participant

Overview

The Summer STAR (Student Training And Research) Program is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in obtaining a PhD in biomedical sciences, nursing or biostatistics at Augusta University. STAR participants engage in hands-on research in a supportive environment under the guidance of an AU faculty member and their research team. This level of experiential training provides Summer STARs with excellent preparation, relevant knowledge, and practical skills needed to pursue a career in research.

Contact Us

STAR Program

Health Sciences Campus

Pavilion III

706-721-9516

STAR@augusta.edu

STAR 2024 Session Dates

The program is from May 20, 2024 - July 19, 2024. STAR participants must be available to attend the entire summer session.

 

Dates to Remember

Application Open September 2023

Application Deadline

Document Deadline 

January 24, 2024

February 5, 2024  - extended to Feb 12, 2024

First day of STAR May 20, 2024
Last day of STAR July 19, 2024

Ask a STAR - What's the best part of working in a lab?

  • "I'm actively working towards something that is making a difference."
  • "The mentorship I got and the independence I was given."
  • "Being in a lab that was very supportive."
  • "Learning a new research topic that I was never exposed to before."
  • "Getting the hands-on lab experience and seeing results.”

“I think the way the STAR program opens undergraduate students to the opportunities of graduate school is amazing.” – STAR participant

Housing

Limited on-campus housing for Summer 2024 is available.  STARS who choose to live on-campus, will receive a $1000 subsidy towards on-campus housing expenses.

Benefits and Expectations

STAR Participants:

  • will receive a salary of $4,500 (before taxes) for the nine-week period.
  • are responsible for travel, meals, housing, and other personal expenses.
  • are expected to spend 40 hours each week in lab (or equivalent).
  • must attend STAR workshops and complete a final presentation.

STAR Mission Statement

The purpose of the STAR program is to serve as a recruiting mechanism and provide outstanding hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a research PhD degree in biomedical sciences, nursing or biostatistics at Augusta University.

STAR Application

Application now open

Application Status Portal

Admission Requirements

STAR workshops and professional development activities

In addition to working on their own research project, STARs attend workshops that expose them to the variety of exciting research areas and techniques available at Augusta University. Additional activities provide opportunities for networking, socializing, skill building, and professional development.   The workshops will also introduce participants to what they might expect from a Ph.D. program at AU. The program concludes with a presentation event for STARs to showcase their summer research and to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.

“I loved the workshops and how tight-knit our community felt.” – STAR participant

STAR Alumni

2023 STAR Cohort

2023 STARs

2023 STARs
2022 Star group photo

2022 STARs

2022 STARs
2021 Star group photo

2021 STARs

2021 STARs
STAR cohort 2019

2019 STARs

2019 STARs