The grant proposal was led by Craig Goergen, associate professor of biomedical engineering, who will serve as the program director and sponsor. Additional program sponsors include Bruno Tesini, associate professor of health and kinesiology, Sherry Voytik-Harbin, professor of biomedical engineering, Vitaliy Rayz, associate professor of biomedical engineering and Luis Solorio, assistant professor of biomedical engineering. 

In addition to performing translational research on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, IU Health Methodist Hospital has committed to support participation of the fellows in the Cardiovascular Maymester program. This program provides undergraduate biomedical engineering students with a unique experience to observe and analyze cardiac care in a clinical setting.

“IU Health and Purdue’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering have worked together for many years to provide immersive educational opportunities for students interested in learning about cardiovascular medicine,” said Mike Wagoner, executive director of cardiovascular services for IU Health. “AHA’s generous grant now provides the opportunity to welcome additional students who are passionate about advancing the future of healthcare.”   

Students will be mentored in interdisciplinary sponsored research, participate as a cohort in professional development seminars, engage in ethics training, and present results at the Purdue Undergraduate Research Symposium. The program will introduce undergraduates to innovative engineering research to more effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular disease and build the capacity and diversity of the cardiac and vascular-related research workforce. Students will receive a $6,000 stipend for their work, as well as travel funds for a scientific conference, access to professional development seminars and social activities with other summer students.

Applications for the Summer 2023 program are being accepted now through Wednesday, February 15, 2023. To learn more and apply, please visit the 2023 SURF Research Project website.

Additional Links

American Heart Association website

AHA Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training website

Purdue University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) FAQ