Program Overview

• 8-week summer program held at Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, NC

• Provides hands-on experience in research methodology and scientific writing

• Participants work on original, hypothesis-driven research projects

Eligibility

• Open to rising junior and senior high school students (preferably seniors), undergraduate students, and middle/high school teachers

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required

• No prior research experience necessary, but strong academic performance and interest in science/medicine preferred

Program Structure

• Participants are placed in teams and matched with Duke faculty mentors

• Projects start as one-page summaries and culminate in complete research papers

• Goal is for every participant to qualify for co-authorship on a peer-reviewed manuscript

Key Components

• Didactic curriculum on clinical research methodology, manuscript writing, and data analysis

• Workshops on ethics and career development

• Shadowing opportunities for participants 18 and older

• Hospital and lab tours

• Personal development workshops (e.g., email etiquette, public speaking)

Dates and Location

• Typically runs from late June to early August (e.g., June 24 to August 2, 2024)

• Held at Duke Clinical Research Institute in downtown Durham, NC

Application Process

• Applications open mid-November and close early January

• Requirements include personal data form, school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and an essay

• Competitive selection process

Compensation

• Stipends provided: $3,200 for college students, $2,600 for high school students

• Teachers receive $8,000 for the 8-week commitment

Program Benefits

• Real-world research experience

• Potential for publication in peer-reviewed journals

• Networking opportunities with Duke faculty and researchers

• Career development and personal growth

Additional Information

• Consistently aims for about 50% of participants to be from underrepresented minorities

• Housing and transportation are the responsibility of participants

• Follow-up surveys show high rates of continued academic success and research involvement among alumni

The Duke STAR Program offers a unique opportunity for students and teachers to engage in high-level research, potentially leading to published work and valuable experience in the medical and scientific fields.