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Explore research programs, job shadowing experiences, volunteer opportunities, and additional resources designed to support undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions. Discover ways to gain hands-on experience, explore career pathways, build professional connections, and strengthen your preparation for future education and training.
Research
BEST Research Summer Training Program
The Beginning/Early Stage Translational (BEST) Researchers Program is a paid, 10-week summer research experience at the University of Iowa for students interested in translational and biomedical research. Participants engage in hands-on research for 40 hours per week, including dedicated educational programming designed to build their research knowledge and skills. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to participate.
Summer Undergraduate MSTP Research (SUMR) Program
The Summer Undergraduate MSTP Research (SUMR) Program is a 10-week summer experience for undergraduate students interested in biomedical research and MD/PhD training. Participants conduct mentored research with University of Iowa faculty while engaging in clinical experiences, physician shadowing, career development, and mentorship with current MD/PhD students and faculty.
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is an eight-week summer research experience for undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate education and research careers. Participants are paired with a University of Iowa faculty mentor based on their academic interests and career goals, gain firsthand exposure to graduate education, and present their research at the UI Summer Undergraduate Research Conference.
Biomedical Scholars Summer Undergraduate Research Program
The Biomedical Scholars Summer Undergraduate Research Program (BSURP) is a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduate students in the biological sciences. Participants gain hands-on laboratory research experience under the mentorship of University of Iowa faculty while exploring biomedical research and graduate education in areas such as genetics, immunology, molecular medicine, and neuroscience.
Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Microbiology at the Host-Pathogen Interface
The Microbiology Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a 10-week summer program for students interested in microbiology and biological research. Participants conduct full-time, hands-on research with University of Iowa faculty and graduate student mentors while participating in seminars and workshops focused on graduate education and research careers. The program culminates in a campus-wide research poster presentation.
Cancer Research Opportunities at Iowa (CROI)
Cancer Research Opportunities at Iowa (CROI) is a 10-week summer program for undergraduate students interested in cancer and biomedical research. Participants conduct an individual research project with University of Iowa faculty and near-peer mentors while participating in a cancer-focused course, career development programming, and scientific presentations. A clinician shadowing opportunity may also be available.
Biochemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (BSURF)
The Biochemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (BSURF) provides undergraduate students from outside the University of Iowa with full-time, hands-on research experience in a University of Iowa Biochemistry and Molecular Biology faculty laboratory. Participants conduct research in areas such as structural biology, genetics, developmental biology, and molecular biology while participating in seminars, career and graduate school workshops, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Conference. The program is designed for students interested in graduate education and careers in biological research, with preference given to students entering their junior or senior years.
ICARE Post-Baccalaureate Program
The Iowa Cancer Research Experience (ICARE) Post-Baccalaureate Program is a paid, one- to two-year research and career development experience for recent college graduates interested in cancer research and advanced education. Fellows gain hands-on research experience with Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center faculty while receiving mentorship, professional development, and career coaching. The program is designed for individuals seeking additional research experience to strengthen their preparation for doctoral, medical, or other health professions programs.
Job Shadowing
HawkShadow
HawkShadow is a one-day job shadowing program offered through the University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to explore career fields and learn directly from working professionals. Participants gain firsthand insight into day-to-day responsibilities, build professional connections, and explore potential mentorship opportunities. HawkShadow is open to undergraduate students across a variety of academic disciplines and is designed to help students make informed decisions about their future careers.
Academic Advising Center
The University of Iowa Academic Advising Center provides resources to help pre-health students explore and pursue healthcare shadowing opportunities. Visit their website to learn more about finding and contacting healthcare professionals, preparing for a shadowing experience, shadowing etiquette, and additional resources available to University of Iowa students.
Volunteer Opportunities
UI Mobile Clinic
The University of Iowa Mobile Clinic provides students with opportunities to volunteer alongside interdisciplinary teams serving communities across Iowa. Students interested in getting involved can visit the UI Mobile Clinic onboarding website to learn more about volunteer requirements, the onboarding process, and how to get started.
UI Health Care Student Volunteers
University of Iowa Health Care offers college students the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of patient care units and clinics while supporting patients, visitors, and staff. Students interested in health sciences careers can explore a variety of placement options based on their interests and the needs of UI Health Care. Visit the College Student Volunteers website to learn more about available placements, volunteer requirements, onboarding, and how to get involved.
STEM College Student Volunteer Opportunities
University of Iowa Health Care STEM Education offers college students the opportunity to serve as trained STEM Education Ambassadors, leading interactive tours, educational presentations, and experiences for K–12 students visiting UI Health Care. College student volunteers gain exposure to different areas of the hospital, connect with faculty, staff, and graduate students across UI Health Care and the Carver College of Medicine, and help inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Visit the STEM Education Volunteer Opportunities website to learn more about getting involved.
Food Pantry at Iowa
The Food Pantry at Iowa offers University of Iowa students an opportunity to support the basic needs of the campus community through meaningful service. Volunteers assist with pantry operations, welcome and support clients, organize inventory, and help receive and stock donations. Visit the Food Pantry at Iowa volunteer website to learn more about volunteer responsibilities, training requirements, time commitments, and how to get involved.