Do you have a passion for discovering new things? Do you wonder how organ systems function?
Do you seek to improve human health through research? Are you committed to lifelong learning?
If you answered yes to these questions, a biomedical research career may for you
Information about 2025 applications will be available shortly
Gaining biomedical research experience is one way to prepare you for graduate school and for a career in research. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Summer Program for Undergraduate Urology Research (SPUUR) is a 12 week paid summer research internship for undergraduates from anywhere in the United States. We are training the next generation of scientists to make critical breakthroughs in urology-related research. We will prioritize applicants who are considering graduate school in biomedical research. Through our program, students will gain essential skills to position them for success in post-graduate studies in a variety of areas, including urology- and nephrology-focused research, toxicology, nutritional sciences, physiology, biology, bacteriology, animal and dairy science, biochemistry, genetics, and more. Students without research experience are welcome to apply; the primary prerequisite for being a SPUUR Scholar is a curiosity about science and willingness to immerse yourself in active research.
Our program provides students with research experiences, weekly lectures, and hands-on activities related to non-malignant basic urologic science and clinical urology research. Note that this is not a clinical training opportunity. Students will network with other students and faculty throughout the summer, including with those from other summer programs at UW-Madison and from other institutions. At the end of the program, students will present and receive reviews of their individual work.
WHY UROLOGY? There is an urgent need to improve urinary health in humans and animals. The underlying causes of many urinary problems is not known, and urinary dysfunction can be debilitating, demoralizing, and costly to treat. Discovering the root causes of urologic problems requires a multidisciplinary approach. Through a carefully constructed curriculum of didactic and hands-on activities, summer interns will gain experience in many fields, including:
- Basic, clinical, and translational science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Genetics
- Imaging (MRI, ultrasound, PET, MicroCT)
- Pathology/Histology
- Pharmacology/Toxicology
- Physiology