Research, Discovery and Cures
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Tomorrow’s groundbreaking health protocols result from today’s research and discovery. Outstanding research opportunities for all University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) students prepare them for careers that apply rigorous investigation and analysis to grand health challenges of the 21st century.

Career Options

Students who are interested in real-world research that will discover cures and new treatments for cancer, opioid addiction, ALS, diabetes and other grand health care challenges, can pursue this area of focus.

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Health Sciences & Medicine

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  • Biochemistry
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Research Technologist
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Featured students of Research, Discovery and Cures Pathway

Mohammed Adani, wearing a lab coat, closely examines a molecular model in a laboratory setting

Mohamed Addani, ‘18

"As the oldest son, I was told since I was a child that it was expected of me to become a physician. My Capstone experience actually went against what I was expected to do and instead focused on pursuing what I loved, which was research."

Mikey Bergman smiles in a professional headshot with a dark background

Michael "Mikey" Bergman, ‘17

"I knew when I applied that I wanted to go into biomedical research to pursue a Master’s or PhD. UMR described an opportunity to be part of a novel, interdisciplinary program with a degree that could be customized to the specific career track that the student wanted. "

Rachel Codden smiles in a professional headshot with a blurred background

Rachel Codden, ‘16

"By participating in a broad array of experiences, I was able to see how my education could be applied in various settings. I began to see how versatile my background in health sciences truly was, and I felt comfortable beginning graduate school in a related field."

Aashka Joshi smiles in a headshot with green plants in the background.

Aashka Joshi ‘16

"I chose UMR for its pristine location within the heart of Rochester and its integration with the health care community, such as Mayo Clinic. There are countless opportunities UMR provides as a university tailored for health sciences. In addition, UMR offers smaller class sizes, hands-on learning and more direct contact with the professors which was important to me after having 1000+ people in my high school graduating class."

Kanza Khan smiles in a headshot outside with a blurred background.

Kanza Khan, ‘13

"I have learned so much at UMR. Beyond providing me with a quality education in health sciences, I have learned what it means to be a good teacher. I strive to emulate all the qualities of a good instructor - clear instruction, pausing to check for student understanding, engaging students and teaching through group activities. These are all qualities that are shared by each instructor that I had at UMR."

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Pal Koak

“The time I spent in the lab and giving myself time to read and write allowed me to hone in on what facets of science and medicine fascinated me and how I saw myself contributing to research and patient care in my career."

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Students pursuing Research, Discovery & Cures have engaged in meaningful experiences such as these listed below.

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Internships and volunteer opportunities

Internships and volunteer opportunities allow you to gain valuable experience in a professional field. These opportunities help students develop marketable skills and competencies through hands-on experience, build a network of contacts and gain insight into a professional field. These experiences assist students in finding a career that aligns with personal and professional goals and passions.

Employment During Undergraduate

You will have various opportunities for employment during your undergraduate studies. The organizations listed below are good places to explore employment opportunities.

  • Undergraduate Research Employment Program at Mayo Clinic
  • Student Work-Study Employment roles at Mayo Clinic

Research

As a student in health sciences, you will have many opportunities to participate in research. Below is a list of previous research experiences students in Research, Discovery & Cures have participated in.

  • IMPACT
  • Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Rochester Dr. Pandey
  • Research in empirical Bioethics of causes & perceptions of addiction at UMR Dr. Dingel
  • Mayo Clinic Pirnie Translational Polycystic Kidney Disease Center Dr. Sussman
  • Participate in field biology research to obtain avian buccal swab samples at UMR Dr. Metzger
  • Transporter Biology And Physiology Dr. Romero
  • Individual and Group Learning in zebrafish Dr. Dunbar and Dr. Petzold
  • Skeletal Muscle Wasting And Progenitor Cell Biology Dr. Doles
  • The role of "weak" intermolecular forces in molecular Dynamics: A computational modeling approach at UMR Dr. Prat-Resina
  • Hepatobiliary Cancer Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Rochester Dr. Roberts
  • Research Methods identifying biological agents in water along with specific chemicals that impact human beings Dr. Metzger
  • Research on negative strand RNA viruses with her primarily interest on measles virus (MV), from the Paramyxoviridae family. Dr. Devaux
  • Addiction in the Media at UMR Dr. Dingel
  • BICB Undergraduate Research Summer Opportunity
  • Georgia Tech 10 week Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Other Experiences

There are other avenues you can take to pursue your pathway as well. Check out the options listed below.

Study Away/Global Travel Experiences:

  • Biological Conservation and Biodiversity Lab through DIS Denmark
  • International Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (I-UROP) Scholarship is designed to promote learning abroad opportunities to UMTC undergraduate students by providing critical funding to students enrolled in select credit-bearing learning abroad programs involving a research project. More information online.