“I absolutely LOVED this program.  It was better than I could even imagine. I learned so many new lab techniques and this cemented my goal of a career in research.” - STAR participant

Overview

The Summer STAR (Student Training And Research) Program is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in obtaining a PhD in biomedical sciences, nursing or biostatistics at Augusta University. STAR participants engage in hands-on research in a supportive environment under the guidance of an AU faculty member and their research team. This level of experiential training provides Summer STARs with excellent preparation, relevant knowledge, and practical skills needed to pursue a career in research.

Contact Us

STAR Program

Health Sciences Campus

Pavilion III

706-721-3278

706-721-6829

STAR@augusta.edu

STAR 2023 Session Dates

Program is from May 22, 2023 - July 21, 2023. STAR participants must be available to attend the entire summer session.

 

Dates to Remember

Application Opens October 5, 2022

Application Deadline

Document Deadline 
(no longer accepting applications or application documents for Summer 2023)

February 1, 2023

February 13, 2023

First day of STAR May 22, 2023
Last day of STAR July 21, 2023

Ask a STAR - What's the best part of working in a lab?

  • "I'm actively working towards something that is making a difference."
  • "The mentorship I got and the independence I was given."
  • "Being in a lab that was very supportive."
  • "Learning a new research topic that I was never exposed to before."
  • "Getting the hands-on lab experience and seeing results.”

“I think the way the STAR program opens undergraduate students to the opportunities of graduate school is amazing.” – STAR participant

Housing

Limited on-campus housing for Summer 2023 is available.  STARS who choose to live on-campus, will receive a $1000 subsidy towards on-campus housing expenses.

Benefits and Expectations

  • Participants receive a salary of $4,500 (before taxes) for the nine-week period.
  • They are responsible for travel, meals, housing, and other personal expenses.
  • STARS are expected to spend 40 hours each week in lab (or equivalent).
  • They must attend STAR workshops and complete a final presentation.

STAR Mission Statement

The purpose of the STAR program is to serve as a recruiting mechanism and to provide outstanding hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a research PhD degree in biomedical sciences, nursing or biostatistics at Augusta University.

Application Status Portal

Admission Requirements

STAR workshops and professional development activities

In addition to working on their own research project, STARs attend workshops that expose them to the variety of exciting research areas and techniques available at Augusta University. Additional activities provide opportunities for networking, socializing, skill building, and professional development as well as introducing participants to what they might expect from a Ph.D. program at AU. The program concludes with a presentation event for STARs to showcase their summer research and to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.

“I loved the workshops and how tight-knit our community felt.” – STAR participant

STAR Awards

Recognize Outstanding Talent & Potential

2022 STAR awardees

Participation in the STAR program is not a passive, observational experience; rather it is an active experience where STARs are challenged to learn, pushed to do, and inspired to be more than they thought they could be. Each STAR participant's hard work, discipline, perseverance and unique spirit results in individual accomplishments and achievements. Thus, to distinguish oneself in such a group of exceptional peers is remarkable and deserves recognition. Congratulation STAR award winners!

PATRICIA L. CAMERON AWARD
ELDRIDGE AWARD
EBAD HASAN MEMORIAL AWARD

STAR Alumni

2022 Star group photo

The 2022 STARs

The 2022 STARs
2021 Star group photo

The 2021 STARs

The 2021 STARs
STAR cohort 2019

The 2019 STARs

The 2019 STARs
Class od 2018 Group shot

The 2018 STARs

The 2018 STARs
Class of 2017 Group Picture

The 2017 STARs

The 2017 STARs
Class of 2016 group picture

The 2016 STARs

The 2016 STARs