The University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Research Training Program (RTP) offers high school and undergraduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biomedical research. Designed to cultivate interest in science, medicine, and health professions, the RTP provides a structured, non-credit, unpaid educational experience that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and career exploration.
Participants in the RTP:
- Gain exposure to biomedical research in specific fields
- Learn foundational skills in literature review, data analysis, and scientific inquiry
- Explore potential career paths with guidance from experienced mentors
- Build connections within a community of researchers
To be eligible, students must be at least 16 years old, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate a strong interest in research. Most trainees complete a 10–12 week summer experience, while some students may continue during the academic year, depending on mentor and resource availability.
Sri Chaparala, HSLS Lead Bioinformatics Specialist, serves as a mentor in the program, guiding students through the fundamentals of computational biology. Her work helps students understand how data-driven approaches can be applied to complex biological problems and encourages long-term engagement with research and innovation.
Through immersive training and mentorship, the RTP empowers emerging scientists to contribute to the future of biomedical discovery.
~Sri Chaparala