Thank you for your interest in the Undergraduate Student Scholars Program in the NIH Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania, an organized program of summer lectures and presentations combined with basic research experience in the laboratory of an expert investigator. This program is open to students from the University of Pennsylvania as well as outside of the university, and the curriculum is designed specifically for undergraduate students with an interest in biomedical research, with the eventual goal of MD, PhD, or MD-PhD degrees. Applications from women and members of underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged.
During the program, students attend weekly seminars on introductory topics in biomedical research. At the end of the course, all participants present their research to members of the Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases in a focused seminar and receive a certificate recognizing their completion of the program. The research program is thus individualized to each student and each laboratory.
Seminar and research experiences are supplemented by social events and activities, including an end-of-summer dinner featuring all students and mentors. Thus, students develop strong and lasting relationships with their fellow students, with members of the research laboratories, and with their mentors. Students receive a competitive stipend for their participation in the 10-week program, and on-campus housing is available.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for common inquiries about the Undergraduate Student Scholars Program.
The Application for USSP 2026 is now open
Undergraduate Student Scholars Program
University of Pennsylvania
Perelman School of Medicine
Gastroenterology Business Office
9th Floor Biomedical Research Building
421 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6064
Send application and letters to: Lashay.Copper@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Any questions, please reach out to Lashay Copper at : Lashay.Copper@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Applications for summer of 2026 are now open. The deadline for all application materials is February 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Students accepted into the program must be eligible to work in the United States. While prior research experience is typical of accepted students, it is not required for acceptance. Mean GPA of accepted students is generally greater than 3.5. The dates from this year’s program will be June 1 to August 7, 2026.
The Undergraduate Student Scholars Program is supported by NIH grant R25-DK066028.
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Make a Gift to USSP
If you would like to continue your generous support of our programs, future contributions may be made payable to "The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania" and sent to us at the address below. Our tax ID number is 23-1352685. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
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The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
Attn: Andrew Bellet
3535 Market Street, Suite 750
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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For more information about making a gift, contact:
Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
954 Biomedical Research Building II/III
421 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6144
Telephone: 215-573-4264
Fax: 215-898-0573