Students Gain Valuable Research Experience Through NJHF $100,000 Grant for Summer Programs

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Aug. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To further its mission of advancing health-related educational programs in the state, New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF) has once again contributed $100,000 to fund Student Summer Research Programs at Rowan and Rutgers Universities.  To date, NJHF has contributed more than $4 million in support of these summer programs.

This year's grant is being used to fund students at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers School of Health Related Professions and the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. 

"Through these summer programs, students are able to individually develop their skills as they work in biomedical research laboratories, clinical investigations and behavioral and health science research," explained George F. Heinrich, M.D., vice chair and CEO of NJHF. 

While each school operates its summer program differently, the goal of each is to inspire students toward a future research career.

"At Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, our objectives for this program include providing a valuable experience for highly motivated and talented medical students and acquainting students with scientific methodology to enhance their analytic and laboratory skills," explained Celine Gelinas, PhD, senior associate dean for research.  "Our rationale is that exposure to a superior research environment will ultimately result in better and more able physicians."

The goals are similar at the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine.

"The purpose of our Summer Research Program is to promote and facilitate education in scientific research where students participate in basic science, biopsychosocial and clinical research activities at a professional level," according to Carl Hock, PhD, senior associate dean for Research and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.  "The emphasis is to provide a mentored research experience for our students."

New Jersey Health Foundation  is a not-for-profit corporation that supports research and health-related education programs in New Jersey through several grant programs and its affiliate, Foundation Venture Capital Group, which makes private equity investments in life science start- up companies in New Jersey headed toward commercialization.

SOURCE New Jersey Health Foundation

Related Links

http://www.njhf.org/