Summer Research Experience 2025

Enhance Your Graduate Journey with Hands-On Research

The University of Florida Biomedical Sciences (BMS) PhD Program is excited to offer incoming students the opportunity to participate in our Summer Research Experience Program. This program provides invaluable hands-on research experience under the direct mentorship of our esteemed UF BMS faculty, facilitating a seamless transition into our rigorous graduate curriculum.

Key Program Features:

  • Immersive Research: Gain practical experience in cutting-edge biomedical research laboratories.
  • Expert Mentorship: Work directly with renowned UF BMS faculty members.
  • Pre-Matriculation Advantage: Build foundational research skills and acclimate to the laboratory environment before the Fall 2025 semester.
  • Compensation: Participants will be compensated at approximately $17 per hour for up to 40 hours per week.
  • Flexible Schedule: The research experience will take place between May 15, 2025 and August 15, 2025.

Eligibility:

This program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students with appropriate U.S. work authorization (e.g., current UF employment or valid Employment Authorization Document).

Important Considerations:

  • Limited Availability: Participation is subject to availability and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Healthcare: Healthcare coverage is not provided through this program. Participants are responsible for maintaining their existing health insurance or securing alternative coverage until their Graduate Assistantship begins on August 16, 2025.
  • Program Distinction: The Summer Research Experience is separate from the required BMS program rotations.

Next Steps:

Detailed procedures and guidelines for participation will be provided to students upon acceptance of their admission offer.

Faculty Mentors Offering Summer Research Experiences

Explore summer research opportunities with our esteemed faculty. Below is a list of professors currently seeking motivated students to join their research teams:

Gemma Casadesus
Department: MD-PHARMACOLOGY / THERAPEUTICS

Gemma Casadesus Ph.D.

Professor
Matthew S Gentry
Department: MD-BIOCHEM / MOLECULAR BIOL

Matthew S Gentry

Professor & Chair
David Hammers
Department: MD-PHARMACOLOGY / THERAPEUTICS

David Hammers Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Zhihua Jiang
Department: MD-SURGERY-VASCULAR

Zhihua Jiang MD, PhD

Associate Professor
ZHIPENG LI
Department: MD-BIOCHEM / MOLECULAR BIOL

ZHIPENG LI

Assistant Professor
Megan L Stanifer
Department: Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Megan L Stanifer

Assistant Professor
Shannon M Wallet
Department: DN-ORAL BIOLOGY

Shannon M Wallet PhD

Chair and Professor, Department of Oral Biology | Louis and Marge Atkins Endowed Professor
Mingyi Xie
Department: MD-BIOCHEM / MOLECULAR BIOL

Mingyi Xie

Associate Professor