Student Research

The Student Research Program, which functions within the overall Office of Research, was developed to instill in UMKC medical students a sense of scientific curiosity and excitement about the benefits of research. The Program supports teaching efforts in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, public health principles and evidence-based medicine, as well as coordinates supplemental research lectures and seminars.

The Student Research Association is supported through the Student Research Program. The program functions in an advisory and mentoring capacity and assists faculty and students in finding areas of common interest. Opportunities for medical students to explore NIH training or to participate in bench or clinical research studies are coordinated through this area. The Student Research Program also organizes and conducts an annual Student Research Day recognizing and rewarding student research accomplishments.

Research can be an important part of medical education. Insights gained through the approach to research and its techniques helps prepare physicians to continue their education independently after leaving medical school and residency. Students who conduct research are better able to determine whether it should be a component of their future medical careers.

The School of Medicine faculty encourages students to participate in research projects in any field of interest. Commitment time can vary, from a summer rotation to a year or more depending on the opportunity.

Medical students with an interest in research are encouraged to apply for unfunded research observer roles for an initial year. In selected cases, this can be followed by a paid research assistantship under a committed faculty researcher. Elective courses with credit are also possible.

Fourth, fifth and sixth year students are eligible for student research support, up to $1,200 per year in basic sciences or clinical medicine. These competitive awards require pre-committed faculty support and a formal presentation of their research conclusions. For more information, contact the Office of Student Research.

It is the consensus of the faculty after many years of experience that the best period for student involvement in research projects is from the third year through the sixth year of medical school.  In exceptional and meritorious cases, second year medical students may be allowed to participate.  Obviously a strong academic performance is required, and involvement in research projects, no matter how interesting and/or successful will not be an excuse for poor grades.  It is also the responsibility of the mentors to implement the regulations of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for studies involving animals, and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for studies involving human research subjects.  Data presented at a conference must reference the appropriate IACUC and/or IRB approval number.

Go to Research Opportunities for more specific information on research possibilities.

The Director of Student Research, Agostino Molteni, M.D., Ph.D., will advise students who wish to participate in research regarding available mentors and projects, and coordinates Student Research Day.

For information on the Student Research Program contact:

Agostino Molteni, M.D., Ph.D.
Director of Student Research
Professor of Pathology and Pharmacology
816-235-5604
moltenia@umkc.edu

Stanley Edlavitch, Ph.D.
Professor of Epidemiology
816-404-6060
Edlavitchs@umkc.edu

Office of Research Administration
Location: M5-103 (Medical School:5th floor, Red Unit)
816-235-6239