The CURE Program

Program Overview

The program is a three-level process for learning research skills and working side-by-side with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and research scientists in the laboratory setting.

• Trainee

  Entry-level undergraduate student with no previous research experience. One semester of shadowing, training, attending research meetings, and familiarizing themselves with the laboratory setting.

  Requirements

  • Must be an entry-level undergraduate student with no previous research experience.
  • Identify a research mentor. Mentors must be full-time biomedical engineering faculty and provide a written statement of support for the student.
  • A one-page personal statement that expresses their interest in the designated area of research, academic goals, and personal background. Special consideration will be given to students who express the need for financial assistance.
  • A 3.0 cumulative GPA and completed or currently enrolled in BME1008C.

  Pledge

  1. Work alongside my mentor to advance scientific knowledge in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. 
  2. Practice research with integrity and accountability according to the Responsible Conduct of Research guidelines established by the FIU Office of Research Integrity.
  3. Perform research and scholarly activities that benefit the local, national, and global well-being.
  4. Be an ambassador for the department and the CURE Program.
  5. Maintain a cumulative GPA above a 3.0. Participate in CURE networking and professional development workshops.
  6. Present at the Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Research Day.
  7. Submit a one-page summary of their laboratory experience, self-evaluation, and a letter of recommendation from biomedical engineering faculty.

  Apply to the CURE program

• Researcher

  Mid-level undergraduate student who has completed one semester of the Trainee phase. The Researcher will assist in laboratory research, analyzing data, and maintaining lab records under the supervision of lab mentors. During the researcher phase, students will be paid $1,800 for the 12-week semester-long program. This stipend will be paid in three equal installments with the last payment contingent upon submission of a final report signed by the Researcher’s faculty mentor.

  Requirements

  • Must be a mid-level undergraduate student who has completed the trainee phase
  • Identify a research mentor. Mentors must be full-time biomedical engineering faculty and provide a written statement of support for the student.
  • If previously enrolled as a trainee within the program, the personal statement is substituted with the one-page summary of the student’s experiences as a trainee, their self-evaluation, and faculty evaluation.
  • If the student is new to the program and has previously completed volunteer research equivalent to the trainee phase, the student must submit the same application as the trainees. Special consideration will be given to students who express the need for financial assistance. (See trainee application requirements).
  • A 3.0 cumulative GPA

  Students in the researcher phase are required to participate in the Undergraduate Research Day poster presentation. The CURE program logo must be displayed on the poster.

  Pledge

  1. Work alongside my mentor to advance scientific knowledge in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
  2. Practice research with integrity and accountability according to the Responsible Conduct of Research guidelines established by the FIU Office of Research Integrity.
  3. Perform research and scholarly activities that benefit the local, national, and global well-being.
  4. Be an ambassador for the department and the CURE Program.
  5. Maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.0.
  6. Participate in CURE networking and professional development workshops.
  7. Commit at least 15 hours per week performing research activities.
  8. Present at the Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Research Day.
  9. Present research outcomes at one local conference.
  10. Submit a one-page summary of their laboratory experience, self-evaluation, and a letter of recommendation from biomedical engineering faculty.
• Fellow

  Top-level undergraduate student who has completed at least two semesters of the Researcher phase of the CURE program. As a Fellow, the student will conduct independent research and work closely with mentors on completing their own research studies. During the Fellow phase, students will be paid $2,160 for the 12-week semester-long program. This stipend will be paid in three equal installments with the last payment contingent upon submission of a final report signed by the Fellow’s faculty mentor.

  Requirements

  • Must be a top-level undergraduate student who has completed the researcher phase of the CURE program.
  • Applications must include the one-page summary of the student’s experiences as a researcher, their self-evaluation, and a letter of recommendation from biomedical engineering faculty.
  • Special consideration will be given to students who express need for financial assistance.
  • A 3.5 GPA

  Pledge

  1. Work alongside my mentor to advance scientific knowledge in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
  2. Practice research with integrity and accountability according to the Responsible Conduct of Research guidelines established by the FIU Office of Research Integrity. 
  3. Perform research and scholarly activities that benefit the local, national, and global well-being.
  4. Be an ambassador for the department and the CURE Program.
  5. Maintain a cumulative GPA above a 3.5.
  6. Participate in CURE networking and professional development workshops.
  7. Commit at least 15 hours per week performing research activities.
  8. Present at the Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Research Day.
  9. Present research outcomes at one national or international conference.
  10. Submit a one-page summary of their laboratory experience, self-evaluation, and a letter of recommendation from biomedical engineering faculty.