Health Equity Student Research Programs

Summer Research Institute Programs

In a nation of changing demographics, it is important to maintain a representative balance of population and workforce. However, some minority groups are severely underrepresented in sciences and healthcare occupations, undermining the nation's strengths as a leader in science, health and technological advances. It is becoming increasingly clear that as the population demographics move toward increasing numbers of diverse individuals, the future health and prosperity of the United States will depend on equitable representation and participation in science, health, and technological occupations. Learn more about the Summer Research Institute programs below.

Engaging African American Students in STEM Education (EASE) Summer Immersion Challenge

If you are a rising African American 9th-10th grader in Omaha Public Schools/Hampton City Schools this summer, you are invited to apply to the Engaging African American Students in STEM Education (EASE) Summer Immersion Challenge, hosted jointly by Creighton University (Omaha, Nebraska) and Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia). In this paid Summer Immersion Challenge, you will learn from experts in the fields of neuroscience, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and public health in topics related to infectious diseases and pandemics!

Undergraduate Biomedical Research Program

The HS-MACA/CPHHE Undergraduate Biomedical Research Program enhances college science education and increases the number of underrepresented minority students who are interested and qualified to pursue careers in the biomedical sciences through conducting kinesthetic laboratory research in various biomedical fields. Students are paired with Creighton University faculty and researchers to conduct ongoing research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Program Description

Program Duration: Eight (8) weeks
Program Timeline: June 2, 2025 – July 25, 2025
Monetary Stipend: $2,000
Continuous Education: Six (6) Friday Health Disparities Training Sessions
Presentation: Colloquium (Oral and Poster Presentations) on July 25, 2025
Career Field/Social Outings: College World Series Home Run Derby, Omaha Jazz on the Green, Juneteenth Parade, and any other STEM activities on-going in Omaha will be considered.
Mentor Research Focus Areas: Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Exercise Science, and Public Health

Eligibility

Students are required to have the following qualifications to participate:

A student must have a 3.0 or better grade average
Current Sophomore, Junior, Senior college academic standing at time of application (Spring 2024)
Copy of college academic transcripts (unofficial or official) *Note: Do not send a link to us to retrieve your transcripts, i.e. Clearinghouse, etc. Download your own transcripts and attach your transcripts in the program application
Two Letters of Recommendation (Recommenders will be sent a separate link to submit)
Living arrangement within the Omaha area for program duration – We can provide on-campus housing only for students during this program
If you have any questions about requirements or documents, please contact us at cphhe@creighton.edu.

Important Dates

Applications Open: November 14, 2024 (Sunday)
Application Closing Date: March 3, 2025 (Monday)
Notice of Interview: March 10, 2025 (Monday)
Interviews: March 10, 2025 (Monday) – March 21, 2025 (Friday)
Acceptance Notice: March 27, 2025 (Thursday)
SRI Program Begins: June 2, 2025 (Monday)
SRI Colloquium and End: July 25, 2025 (Friday)

Apply for the Undergraduate Biomedical Research Program

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Apply for the Undergraduate Program

High School Community-Based Research Program

A collaborative effort of the Health Sciences’ Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) and the Center for Promoting Health and Health Equality (CPHHE); the purpose of the Summer High School Community-Based Research Program is to provide hands-on, community-based research among underrepresented minority groups. At the end of the program, the students will be able to enhance their high school education and build health disparities knowledge. Students work at a community-based organization for six weeks. The students will receive training in health disparities and perform research projects in their community. Students will work with their community site to learn about issues in their neighborhood by learning research methods, developing surveys, examining data, doing community mapping, and conducting interviews resulting in policy recommendations.

Program Description

Program Duration: Six (6) weeks
Program Timeline: June 2, 2025 – July 11, 2025
Monetary Stipend: $1,200
Presentation: Colloquium (Oral Presentations) on July 25, 2025
Career Field/Social Outings: College World Series Home Run Derby, Omaha Jazz on the Green, Juneteenth Parade, and any other STEM activities on-going in Omaha will be considered.

Eligibility

Must have a 2.5 or better grade point average
Sophomore, Junior or Senior academic standing at time of application (Spring 2024)
Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial or official)
Two (2) letters of recommendation
Living arrangements within the Omaha area for program duration - We can provide on-campus housing only for students during this program

Important Dates

Applications Open: November 14, 2024 (Sunday)
Application Closing Date: March 31, 2025 (Monday)
Notice of Interview: April 4, 2025 (Friday)
Interviews: April 7, 2025 (Monday) – April 17, 2025 (Thursday)
Acceptance Notice: April 25, 2025 (Friday)
SRI Program Begins: June 2, 2025 (Monday)
SRI Program Ends: July 11, 2025 (Friday)
SRI Colloquium: July 25, 2025 (Friday)

Apply for the High School Community-Based Program

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Apply for the High School Community-Based Program

Engaging African American Students in STEM Education (EASE) Summer Immersion Challenge

What to Expect

This Summer Immersion Challenge is focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) enrichment and scientific communication skills.

You will have an opportunity to learn directly from faculty members who conduct research in fields of neuroscience, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. You will then have a chance to develop social media material, such as TikTok videos, Buzzfeed articles, Instagram posts, blog posts, to communicate what you learned to a wider audience.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this program will be held virtually via Zoom.

Typical schedule for June 21 – July 2, 2021:

9 am – 11 am: Immersion Lesson with Faculty Member(s)
11 am – 1 pm: Student Project Work Time/Demo Labs/Simulations

Faculty

Creighton University/Omaha Public Schools:
Dr Eric Haas: Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr Andrew Ekpenyong: Assistant Professor of Physics
Dr Shashank Dravid: Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Neuroscience

Hampton University/Hampton City Schools:
Dr Peter Njoki: Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr Francis Erebholo: Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr Insu Hahn: Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Education/Cultural Awareness Specialist:
Dr William Austin: Associate Professor of Teacher Education (University of Nebraska Omaha)

Eligibility

The EASE Summer Immersion Challenge is open to African American students entering grades 9 – 10, who demonstrate an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Space is limited to 10 students from Omaha Public Schools and 10 students from Hampton City Schools.

Application

The application process includes completing the application form, which consists of writing an essay demonstrating interest in STEM, obtaining a letter of recommendation, and providing other necessary information. Applications must be received by April 23, 2021, in order to be considered.