Applications for the 2025-2026 Session Open July 1

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About the HSMP

The Health Services Mentorship Program (HSMP) at George Mason University is a student-led initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of healthcare researchers. Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, HSMP provides no-cost educational and research opportunities to high school students with limited access to research experiences. The program is structured around two core pillars—Career & Professionalism and Health Services Research. Our content is delivered through engaging online seminars and discussions, facilitated by a dedicated team of Mason graduate students, faculty members, and seasoned community professionals. HSMP supports 40 students annually from October to April, and has recently expanded to include a summer program. Participants study healthcare topics of their choosing, gaining hands-on experience in research methodologies, healthcare systems, and statistical analysis. Our commitment extends beyond academic instruction; we are committed to providing ongoing mentorship, assisting students in achieving publication and presenting at conferences, facilitating their transition to college, and supporting their applications to prestigious research programs nationwide.

Our mission is to cultivate a new generation of health professionals equipped with the tools necessary for academic excellence and career readiness, by providing underserved high school students with hands-on research and mentorship, and fostering a commitment to access to opportunities for all.

This foundational tier of the Health Services Mentorship Program equips students with an essential understanding of health system components and basic research methodologies.

This tier prepares students for successful healthcare careers by providing tailored support and essential resources to enhance their academic and professional development.

Our program

Health Services Research :

Monthly Seminars: These sessions provide students with in-depth overviews of various aspects of health services research, from the structure and dynamics of healthcare systems to the fundamental principles of research design.
Focus Groups (Journal Club): In these collaborative meetings, students critically analyze and discuss contemporary research papers, fostering a deeper comprehension of current topics and trends in healthcare research.
Scientific Writing: Participants are encouraged to engage in the production of research papers and grants. This activity aims to develop their ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and articulate findings, laying a robust foundation for future academic and professional pursuits in health services.

Career and Professionalism

College Application Help: Students receive comprehensive support as they prepare for the college application process. Our guidance helps them showcase their strengths and experiences effectively, optimizing their chances of gaining admission to their desired institutions.
Identifying Opportunities for Growth: We encourage students to identify and seize opportunities that will enhance their personal and professional development. This includes finding internships, volunteer positions, and special projects that align with their career aspirations in healthcare.
Optional Workshops: These workshops cover a range of topics from resume building to interview skills, all tailored to the specific demands of healthcare professions. The goal is to arm students with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in competitive environments.

Example Research Program Timelines

Our Team

The HSMP is a remodeled program following last year’s program in global health. Our team consists of many disciplines including biology, chemistry, public health, and of course- health services research. Graduate students from the Health Services Research Ph.D program will provide oversight of the program through Academy Health’s George Mason University Chapter. The program itself will be administered through a mix of undergraduate and graduate students. The program is also supported by high school interns who previously participated in the program. Furthermore, additional undergraduate and graduate students are invited to provide talks, Q&A’s, and 1-on-1 mentorship.

2024-2025 Fellows

Sarah Roelke

Student Director of Research

Sarah is a junior at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Her research interests focus around women's health, particularly maternal health from a global perspective. She aspires to be a physician and researcher in the future. Outside of HSMP, Sarah plays violin and cello and enjoys baking. She is excited to welcome a new cohort of students this year!

Maddy Vazquez

Deputy Student Director of Research

Prince William County Recruiter

Catherine Han

Data Analytics Tutor

South West Virginia Recruiter

Andrew Jakubowski

Data Analytics Tutor

Hampton Roads Recruiter

Sajeela Ahmad

Program Assistant

South East DC Recruiter

Sajeela is a current sophomore at Osbourn Park Highschool. She is interested in cancer research and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In her free time, she enjoys walking & biking, drawing, reading and baking.

Meghana Mendu

Hampton Roads Recruiter

Meghana Mendu is a senior at Bayside High School in Virginia Beach. Her research is focused on the effects of stigma on cancer screening and diagnosis among adults with chronic disease. Her favorite hobbies are playing the violin and listening to all types of music, and Meghana's future goal is to become a physician.

Alina Sharifi

Northern Virginia Recruiter

Aisha Baccouche

Northern Virginia Recruiter

Aisha is a Senior at Osbourn Park High School, where she attends the STEM program at Governor's School at Innovation Park in the biology strand. She is passionate about neurobiology, with a specific focus on the developmental, clinical, and symptomatic components of Multiple Sclerosis, and she looks forward to advancing her research in this field throughout the year. In her free time, she leads the nonprofit organization she founded, YouthMed Association, which is dedicated to teaching medical-based topics to youth.

The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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