The Undergraduate Student Scholars Program in the NIH Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania is an organized program of summer lectures and presentations combined with basic research experience in the laboratory of an expert investigator. This program is open to students from the University of Pennsylvania as well as outside of the university, and the curriculum is designed specifically for undergraduate students with an interest in biomedical research, with the eventual goal of MD, PhD, or MD-PhD degrees.  Applications from women and members of underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged.

During the program, students attend weekly seminars on introductory topics in biomedical research. At the end of the course, all participants present their research to members of the Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases in a focused seminar and receive a certificate recognizing their completion of the program. The research program is thus individualized to each student and each laboratory.

Seminar and research experiences are supplemented by social events and activities, including an end-of-summer dinner featuring all students and mentors. Thus, students develop strong and lasting relationships with their fellow students, with members of the research laboratories, and with their mentors. Students receive a competitive stipend for their participation in the 10-week program, and on-campus housing is available.