Group photo of our 2022 RESURP Scholars. From left to right, Marian Talip, Trinity Casimir, Nat'e Stowe, and Emily Kang.
The Duke Center for REsearch to AdvanCe Healthcare Equity (REACH Equity) is now accepting applications for the 2023 summer undergraduate research program.
Background: Racially and ethnically minoritized patients (ex: Black, Hispanic/Latino patients) are less likely than White patients to receive necessary procedures or medications for many conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV. Although the causes of these disparities are multifactorial, studies show that providers and healthcare systems are important contributors to disparities.
The overall goal of REACH Equity is to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health by developing and testing ways that enable providers and healthcare systems (hospitals, clinics, etc.) to improve the delivery of equitable, high quality patient care. The Center offers a number of research, education, and training opportunities for students, trainees, and faculty interested in addressing racial and ethnic disparities in health.
REACH Equity Summer Undergraduate Research Program (RESURP) is an 8-week summer program for rising junior and senior undergraduate students. The overall goals of the program are to: increase students’ knowledge of the causes and consequences of racial and ethnic disparities in health; introduce students to basic skills in clinical research and provide an opportunity to conduct a health disparities research project; provide an opportunity for students to shadow Duke Faculty in a clinical setting.
Program topics and activities include:
- Introduction to racial and ethnic disparities in health and their causes, social determinants of health (education, income, housing, etc.), healthcare system, and provider beliefs and behaviors
- Community tour (virtual or in-person) examining the impact of social determinants on health disparities
- Introduction to clinical research methods, data collection, statistical analysis, Institutional Review Boards, medical ethics, and participation in research for underrepresented groups
- Participation in a community Racial Equity Training Workshop
- Informal sessions with Duke faculty, trainees, and students to learn about different career paths
- Professional development workshops and lectures on presentation skills, professionalism, and teamwork
- Completion of a small group, mentored health disparities research project. Activities vary depending on specific project but may include literature review and variable extraction, creating database, exporting data for statistical analysis, etc. All students present their research at a symposium at the end of the program.
Where: The program is currently planned to include both virtual (Zoom) and in-person activities on the Duke campus. In-person activities will be confirmed closer to the program start date and subject to Duke University policies. Participants will be required to provide proof of COVID vaccine and booster in compliance with Duke Policy for any on-campus activities.
When: June 5 – July 28. Students are expected to be available from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
Who is eligible: Students who will be junior or senior undergraduates in Fall 2023 are eligible. The competitive program will provide up to four selected students with a $3,200 stipend.
NOTE: The program does not provide additional support for any housing and travel expenses.
How to apply: Visit our RESURP webpage for further details and to download the application (Word document) to apply.
Send the application requirements below by 5 pm, Monday, February 13, 2023. Address questions to reachequitycenter@duke.edu.
- Completed application form (including employment, volunteer, community, research, and scholarly activities)
- Letters of recommendation from two non-family members (emailed by letter writers directly to reachequitycenter@duke.edu)
- Unofficial school transcript
- Essay (instructions are included in the application form)