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Curriculum

Research student with pipette in a lab setting

Student experience and research opportunities

The nuSURF program is 10 weeks, typically, during a summer break.

During this program, you will receive introductions into all research areas within Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. studies. The nuSURF Program is track-agnostic of the specialization tracks within Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. All of Mayo Clinic biomedical research tracks may be related and part of nephrology and urology investigations.

The nuSURF curriculum provides:

  • Twice-weekly didactic sessions:
    • Structure and function of the kidney and urogenital (UG) track components
    • Genetics applied to kidney and UG disease
    • Diseases directly affecting kidney and UG
  • Access to basic and clinical nephrology and urologic faculty
  • Abstract, poster, and oral presentation instruction
  • Access to special seminars and journal clubs
  • Opportunities for clinical exposure to nephrology and urology

Additionally, as a student, you will:

  • Write an abstract on your nuSURF research project
  • Present five to seven minute talks of your summer research to nephrology and urology faculty (annual Kidney Extravaganza)
  • Make a poster of your nuSURF research project
  • Attend (travel and housing included) and present your research poster at the KUH (NIDDK) Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium

KUH (NIDDK) Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium

Annually the KUH (Kidney, Urology, and Hematology) division of NIDDK holds an end of Summer Symposium to bring together more than 100 undergraduates from the seven similar programs around the U.S. (Emory, Harvard, U Alabama-Birmingham, UT Southwestern, UT San Antonio, Vanderbilt, and Yale). This two-day symposium provides the opportunity for students to present their work, meet, and network with other undergraduates and faculty doing kidney and urology work. The program also includes presentations from NIDDK leadership, a featured scientific speaker, near-peer discussion panels, and a graduate and professional school admissions question and answer session. There are often new tools and technique sessions, as well as social gatherings.

Faculty member helping student in a computer lab type setting

A focus on mentorship

In-line with our culture, we aim to prioritize a positive experience in the labs of established mentors. We also prioritize the development and the representation of minorities and women in urology research. This mentorship philosophy and connection does not end with the summer. Your mentor with stay in touch to follow up on your individual progress. We also keep in touch via a LinkedIn group that allows the Director and previous nuSURF students to continue to interact and network.

My research supervisors were mentors of the highest caliber. From research insights during my time at Mayo to letters of recommendation after I left, they played a foundational role in shaping my future. Beyond my direct supervisors, many other principal investigators at Mayo Clinic contributed their time to speak to the nuSURF program about research and future career paths. Had I not participated in this program nor had the excellent mentorship, I would not be pursuing a graduate degree today.

Andrew DuPlissis
nuSURF participant who is now a Ph.D. candidate in biomedical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin

Alumni outcomes

Learn more about peer-reviewed papers, research grants, and the professional success of past nuSURF participants.

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