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Bradley McConnell, professor of pharmacology at the UH College of Pharmacy, expressed his excitement about the University of Houston Cardiovascular Undergraduate Research Experience (UH-CURE) program, stating, “We will offer a transdisciplinary research experience and a toolbox of translatable skills to prepare them for success.”
The new summer research program, led by McConnell and Tho Tran, research assistant professor of chemistry at the UH College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, aims to engage minority and underrepresented students in hands-on cardiovascular research. Tran emphasized the importance of providing students with a well-rounded research experience, saying, “We want UH-CURE participants to gain confidence in their research abilities through our hands-on approach and the skillset to navigate future challenges through our professional training.”
McConnell and Tran have a history of collaboration, having previously worked on the UH-HEART pilot program funded by the American Heart Association. Building on the success of UH-HEART, they launched UH-CURE to expand the scope of cardiovascular research and prepare students for successful careers in the field. Tran highlighted the value of diversity in research, stating, “We all know that a diverse environment leads to a much better generation of ideas and solutions. We hope to bring that strength to the future of cardiovascular research through our students.”
The UH-CURE program, supported by a $792,900 grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, will provide up to ten undergraduate students per year with a $6,000 stipend, travel opportunities, on-campus housing, and a food allowance. The program aims to increase students’ interest in cardiovascular research, develop responsible research skills, promote diversity, and cultivate transferable skills necessary for success in graduate school and beyond.
McConnell outlined the program's goals, stating, “To achieve our goals, we will introduce participants to a breadth of cardiovascular research across disciplinary lines and emphasize the significance and innovation of the research, including a cohort trip to a national research conference.” The program will integrate students into research laboratories, where they will learn critical research skills, data analysis, and research integrity under the mentorship of faculty members from across UH’s colleges.
Both the UH-CURE and UH-HEART programs are currently accepting applications for research opportunities this summer. Interested individuals can find more information on the UH Drug Discovery Institute’s website under the Undergraduate Research Program tab.