Summer Program in Infectious Disease Research (SPIDR)

The Summer Program in Infectious Disease Research (SPIDR) is one of several summer research enrichment programs collaborating with the Centers For AIDS Research (CFAR) to offer mentored summer research experiences for trainees from a range of academic levels.

The goal of the Centers For AIDS Research (CFAR) Scholar’s Program is to increase the number of interested and academically prepared trainees from diverse backgrounds for careers in biomedical research or academic medicine with an interest in HIV/AIDS research. We provide mentored research opportunities to trainees at one or more level of training, from high school, undergraduate, graduate (masters, doctoral or medical) students, and post-doctoral trainees.

The Penn CFAR Scholars’ and Summer Program in Infectious Diseases Research (SPIDR) Programs

Penn CFAR/SPIDR scholars are provided an 8-week, funded, clinical, translational, or basic mentored research experience.

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or medical students able to commit to 8-weeks of fulltime summer research
• U.S. Citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply
• Have an interest in HIV/AIDS medicine or research
• Have had limited exposure to mentorship or mentored research experiences

All application components are crucial for evaluation. We ask applicants to share their meaningful life experiences in the research statement. We encourage sharing of personal history, and experiences that motivate your academic pursuit, as well as any challenges overcome.