The mission of the OPSD PRIME Programs is to enhance innovation in biomedical science and promote health equity by developing a diverse cohort of successful biomedical research scientists. The PRIME PUMP program recruits diverse cohorts of undergraduate students and exposes them to research skill-building and mentored research experiences in urology and nephrology.
Learn more about PRIME PUMP below.
The 2025 application period for PRIME PUMP is OPEN.
The Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development is currently accepting applications for the Paired Undergraduate Mentoring Program (PUMP) in Uronephrology. Supported through funding from the NIH/NIDDK, PUMP aims to recruit undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) and expose them to longitudinal research skills-building and mentored research experiences in urology and nephrology.
The program will focus on a mentored summer research enrichment program to begin June 2025, which will be followed by year-long virtual and in-person professional development activities.
Five candidates will be selected for the eight-week summer program. Each student will work with a mentorship team guided by a junior and senior mentor on a project designed for the mentee. Individuals meeting the NIH definition of Underrepresented Populations in the U.S. are encouraged to apply.
Program Details
The program focuses on the following:
- Implementing a mentored summer research enrichment program to develop interest in uronephrology research careers among a diverse cohort of rising sophomore, junior and senior undergraduates.
- Preparing next-generation uronephrology investigators to mentor a diverse biomedical workforce by training graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and junior Faculty in mentorship and providing them critical experience leading student research projects.
- Preparing a diverse 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.
Application Procedure
Please attach two letters of support, ideally from prior educators, mentors, or supervisors who can provide information related to your potential in research as well as academic and career interests.
To complete this survey, you will need the following PDF files to upload:
1) Curriculum vitae or resume
2) Current transcript (official or unofficial)
3) Two letters of support
Additional Details
- No prior experience in research necessary. Applicants only need to demonstrate a strong interest in science and solid academic performance.
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for participation (per NIH policy)
- Compensation: Participants receive $7,000 salary for the 8 weeks program
- Participants are responsible for securing their own room and board.
Interested participants can apply HERE.
Application Open: December 12, 2024
Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
Award Notification: March 2025
Program Start Date: early June/tentative June 2, 2025
We will invite selected participants to participate in an eight-week internship beginning the first week of June 2025.
Questions may be submitted via email at opsd@dm.duke.edu.
Other Opportunities at Duke
The Center for Pathway Programs, housed within the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute, serves as a starting point from which anyone interested in STEM or medicine can find programs that fit their interests and life stage. The Center offers both summer and year-long programs for undergraduate students that foster education and career development.
Visit the Center's website HERE to learn more about student opportunities.