Summer Program for Advancing Research in Cardiovascular Science (SPARCS)

The Summer Program for Advancing Research in Cardiovascular Science (SPARCS) is a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduate students interested in cardiovascular science, public health, health disparities and translational research. Students gain hands-on, faculty-mentored research experience while building the skills and professional development needed to grow as emerging scientists.

Program Highlights

• SPARCS is a 10-week summer program funded by the American Heart Association. Week 1 is virtual with synchronous and self-paced activities; weeks 2–10 take place in person on campus with housing provided.
• Students participate in team-based cardiovascular research projects across the lifespan, with a focus on epidemiology, public health outcomes, health disparities, and translational applications.
• The program offers faculty-mentored research experience along with professional development training designed to support students as emerging scientists.
• SPARCS is supported by the American Heart Association Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training (26IAUST1564213).

Location

Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate students with a career interest in cardiovascular sciences are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing and be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program at a four-year college or university at the time of application.

Program Includes

• 10-week, full-time summer research experience
• $6,000 compensation
• Wake Forest University residence hall housing (weeks 2-10)
• Roundtrip travel to Winston-Salem
• Cross-campus shuttle service