Opportunities for Undergraduate Students

The application period for the 2026 PUMP program is now closed

Supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDDK), the PUMP Program recruits undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) and provides longitudinal research skill-building and mentored research experiences in urology and nephrology.

The program includes an eight‑week, full‑time summer research experience running from June 1, 2026, through July 24, 2026, followed by year‑long virtual professional development activities. During the summer, participants engage in a structured research and training experience designed to introduce them to the rigor and intellectual rewards of biomedical research.

The PUMP curriculum includes a didactic lecture series and a mentored research experience in urology or nephrology. Participants also have the opportunity to shadow in pediatric and adult nephrology clinics.

Six candidates will be selected to participate in the summer program. Each student will work with a mentorship team guided by junior and senior faculty mentors on a research project designed to support the student’s academic development and research interests.

I. Program Focus

The program focuses on the following:

• Implementing a mentored summer research enrichment program to develop interest in uronephrology research careers among a cohort of rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
• Preparing next-generation uronephrology investigators to mentor a diverse biomedical workforce by training graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and junior faculty in mentorship and providing critical experience leading student research projects.
• Preparing a cohort of undergraduates for post-graduate training and entry into uronephrology research careers through sustained engagement that extends and enriches the summer research program experience.

II. Application Procedure

Applications will be submitted this year via YOJO, a web-based platform. Detailed instructions are provided in the accordion section below. 

The following documents should be uploaded in PDF format to complete the application: 

1. Curriculum vitae or resume
2. Current transcript (official or unofficial)
3. Two letters of support, ideally from educators, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your research potential, academic background, and career interests

III. Additional Details

• Prior research experience is not required. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in science and solid academic performance.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for participation, in accordance with NIH policy. 
• Participants receive a $7,000 stipend for the eight-week summer research experience.
• Participants are responsible for securing their own housing and meals. 

IV. Key Dates

• Application Opens: December 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: February 8, 2026
• Award Notification: March 2026
• Program Start Date: June 1, 2026
• Summer Program Concludes: July 24, 2026

Questions may be submitted via email at opsd@dm.duke.edu.

YOJO, short for Your Journey, is a web-based platform that allows learners to map their career pathways and streamlines program administration. 

Step 1: Access the PUMP Application

Access the Paired Undergraduate Mentoring Program (PUMP) application on the YOJO platform by navigating to the following website: https://yojo.center/duke/OPSDPUMP.

Step 2: Log In/Sign Up

Before starting your application, you will need to log in or create an account. 

1. Click the Log In / Sign Up button in the upper-right corner of the page.
2. On the Sign In page, enter your email address and click Sign in with Email.
   
   Note: This email address will be used for all communications related to your application. Please make sure to use your main or frequently used email address. 
    
3. You will receive a sign-in link sent to the email address you entered.
4. Check your inbox for an email from YOJO Info with the subject line Sign in to yojo.center. Click the link in the email to complete the sign-in process.
   
   Note: The email may take a few minutes to arrive. If you do not see it in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder. If you have already clicked the link and nothing happens, refresh your browser and try again. Future sign-ins will be faster.

Step 3: Complete Your YOJO Profile Setup

After clicking the sign-in link in your email, you will be directed back to YOJO to begin setting up your profile. 

1. Level 1: Where are you on your journey? Please select ‘College Student’ and click ‘Next’
2. Level 2: Select Your Interests: Choose topics relevant to your PUMP application (e.g. Biology, Science, Research, Medicine, etc.) and click ‘Next’
3. Level 3: Choose Your Format: Under Formats, select ‘In Person’. PUMP is an eight-week in-person session followed by a virtual professional development program. Then, click ‘Next’
4. Level 4: Select Your State of Residence: Choose your state and click ‘Next’
5. Level 5: Choose Your Stage: Select ‘I just want to learn’
6. Finish Setup: Click Finish to save your profile

Step 4: Complete Your YOJO Profile

You will then be redirected to a page showing a summary of your profile. 

1. Under Personal Information, please include
   • Full name
   • Secondary email address (if you have one)
   • Phone number. Providing your phone number allows us to send you updates about your application.
   • You may also provide your date of birth, upload a profile photo and include your career aspirations. These fields are optional. 
2. Under Background and Interests, you will see a summary of the information you entered previously and may make edits as needed. You may provide your gender, race/ethnicity, and experience. However, these fields are entirely optional and will not affect the evaluation of your application
3. When you finish, click Save Profile at the top right of the page

Step 5: Locate the PUMP Application

1. To locate the PUMP application, scroll down to Discover Programs. Under Perfect Learner Matches, you will see Duke Paired Undergraduate Mentoring Program (PUMP) in Uronephrology listed. 
2. Alternatively, you may scroll to the top of the page, select the Programs tab, and enter PUMP in the Search Programs by Title field.
   
   Note: You may favorite the program for quick access by clicking the heart icon.
    
3. Click Apply as Learner, then select PUMP 2026 to proceed with your application

Important Information

• Each student is allowed only one application for the PUMP program.
• Do not submit multiple applications using different email addresses.
• Please note that only PDF and image files are accepted for the application on YOJO.
• If you need to make changes after submitting it, you must withdraw your application, fix the error, and resubmit it before the application deadline.