Biomedical Research Scholars Program
Trudeau Institute’s Biomedical Research Scholars Program is a semester-long, 15 credit program that provides intensive laboratory-based experiential learning with advanced coursework to better understand how the immune system fights infectious diseases and how to design more effective vaccines against these pathogens.
Course dates: January 15, 2025 – April 30, 2025
Applications for Spring 2025 available at participating colleges
The Program
Trudeau Semester in Biomedical Research: Coursework
The program is designed for students interested in the field of human health science, biotechnology and biomedical research. Courses are designed to fit seamlessly with most undergraduate Biology, Microbiology or Pre-Med curricula and will enrich student’s academic and life experiences in preparation for a career in the biomedical and research fields.
Immunity and Microbial Pathogenesis (3 cr.): This course covers the fundamental concepts of both immunology and the mechanisms by which microbes cause diseases. The course is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in understanding how the immune system responds to microbial infections and how pathogens exploit host defenses.
Immunological Techniques (3 cr.): Students engage in three mini courses that cover concepts and cutting-edge assays in molecular virology, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy and imaging.
Critical Thinking in Life Sciences (2 cr.): The course covers critical thinking skills that undergraduates in biology will need as they navigate data analysis, scientific communication, experimental design, implicit bias and ethical decision making.
Responsible Conduct of Research (1 cr.): A National Institutes of Health (NIH) designed Research Ethics course that covers topics such as research misconduct, regulatory compliance, animal and human studies and conflict of interest.
Research in Infectious Disease (6 cr.): Students will investigate the immune response to influenza vaccines as well as the vaccine’s ability to promote protection against infection as a medically relevant topic that spans immunology, biochemistry, infectious disease and pathogenesis.
Participating Colleges
How To Apply
Program open to students interested in medicine and biomedical research fields
Students should already have a strong foundation in biology and chemistry coursework
Work with your campus department and off-campus study office to fill out the Trudeau application
Have available an unofficial transcript with grades from previous STEM courses
Provide names of two references to speak to your ability to perform research in the STEM fields (preferably a STEM faculty member or research mentor)
Compose an essay detailing your interest in research in biomedical science and what you hope to gain by participating in the Trudeau Institute Biomedical Research Program
Have your off-campus study office forward the Trudeau application, unofficial transcript and essay to Deb Brown at dbrown@trudeauinstitute.org
Request references to send letters directly to Deb Brown at dbrown@trudeauinstitute.org under a separate email, with the subject line: Student Name_Reference for Trudeau Semester”
Living in Saranac Lake, NY
Housing provided on the Trudeau Institute campus:
Apartment style living with communal kitchen and living room.
Short walk to Lower Saranac Lake for swimming, paddling, relaxing
Directly across the street from the Institute = 2-minute commute time
Saranac Lake: Decidedly Different
See all that Saranac Lake has to offer: https://www.saranaclake.com/
Area Attractions:
Local Restaurants
Little Italy - 151 River St, Saranac Lake (518) 891-4444
Casa Del Sol – 513 Lake Flower Ave, Saranac Lake (518) 891-2272
Bitters and Bones - 65 Broadway, Saranac Lake (518) 354-8270
Romano’s (Bowling, too!) - 11 Bloomingdale Ave (518) 891-8301
Blue Moon Café - 55 Main St, Saranac Lake (518) 891-1310
Downhill Grill - 74 Main St, Saranac Lake (518) 891-3663
China Jade – 65 Main St, Saranac Lake (518) 891-6145