The School of Medicine’s Summer Opportunities in Academic Research (SOAR), co-directed by Assistant Professor Brynne Sullivan, MD and Associate Professor Sana Syed, MD in the Department of Pediatrics, received a 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. The award recognizes innovative programs or initiatives committed to supporting and increasing underrepresented groups entering careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
UVA’s SOAR program is an eight-week summer program which encourages local high school students who are historically underrepresented in science and medicine to pursue a career in STEM. The students are paired with research mentors who introduce them to biomedical research and medicine through educational sessions and research in mentor labs. Along with valuable experience and new skill sets, the students learn about the many career options available to them in the STEM fields. The SOAR program is supported in part by the integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV). Drs. Sullivan and Syed are clinician-scientists and graduates of the iTHRIV Scholars program who currently serve as junior faculty mentors to to the students.
Filed Under: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Faculty, Honors & Awards