SPURRS (San Antonio Program for Undergraduate Research in Renal Science)
SPURRS (San Antonio Program for Undergraduate Research in Renal Science)
Welcome to the SPURRS website! SPURRS is a program designed to encourage talented college students to pursue careers in medicine and medical research related to the kidneys and urinary tract. Kidney disease is a very common problem, affecting about 15% of people in the US and is a common complication of such illnesses as diabetes and heart disease. Treatments for kidney disease are currently limited, and many patients may progress to need either kidney dialysis or kidney transplantation. Further research into the causes and cures of kidney disease is urgently needed. Funded by a grant from the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the University of Texas Health School of Medicine in San Antonio is offering undergraduate students opportunities to work with a faculty mentor on a summer research project. In addition to working on a research project, and learning hands-on laboratory techniques, students will participate in seminars and conferences with other students, physicians and scientists to learn about how kidneys work and what causes them to fail. The program is excellent preparation for students with a goal of attending medical or graduate school and an interest in helping in the battle against kidney disease.
The research will be performed at the University of Texas Long School of Medicine at San Antonio between June 3 and August 9, 2019. At the end of the summer, students will join students from other research sites around the country at a research symposium to present their summer research findings and participate in career development activities. Students will receive a stipend ($500/week) and travel expenses to the symposium.
Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate institution at the time of the program. Prior research experience is desirable but not required.
Thank you for your interest! To learn more or apply, follow the links below.
Brian Reeves, MD
Chairman, Department of Medicine
University of Texas Long School of Medicine at San Antonio
The application deadline is March 29, 2019
To apply, click here: http://gsbs.uthscsa.edu/pages/apply-to-our-summer-undergraduate-programs
Click the Apply button and use the drop down to choose the San Antonio Program for Undergraduate Research in Renal Science (SPURRS) application.
See following FAQs
For additional information, email reyesc6@uthscsa.edu
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to be a US citizen to participate?
This program is funded with federal money and is intended for US citizens or permanent residents only.
Do I need to perform the research at the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio?
Yes, all students will be matched with a mentor at UT and will work in his/her laboratory
I am graduating this Spring, can I participate?
Congratulations, but no, students must be enrolled in their undergraduate program throughout the research program to be eligible.
Do I have to have had previous laboratory research training?
No, while prior research training is great, it is not required. If you have done research before, we ask that one of your letters of recommendation come from that research mentor.
What kinds of research projects will I be working on?
Our world-renowned faculty are involved in several types of research involving cells, small animals and people. You will be paired with one mentor to work on a project in his/her laboratory.
Is on-campus housing available?
No, on-campus housing is not available at UTHSA. However, we can assist you in finding nearby short-term housing for the summer.
Will transportation costs be covered by the program?
For students traveling from outside San Antonio, we will arrange for transportation from your home or school to San Antonio and, for all students, to the summer research symposium. Travel within San Antonio, such as to and from work, is not reimbursed.
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