AGA: Aman Armaan Ahmed Family SURF for Success Program Grant

The Aman Armaan Ahmed Family SURF for Success Program offers summer undergraduate research fellowships for students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. Awardees engage in 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases under expert mentorship, receiving a stipend of $6,200. This initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science and medicine, enhancing diversity in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

NOTE:
A letter of support from the mentor is required.A letter of reference from a current or past professor speaking to the applicant’s qualifications and engagement is required.
These summer undergraduate research fellowships (SURF) support undergraduate students from groups traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research to perform 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases under the mentorship of top investigators in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology. The award provides a stipend and opportunities to learn about future training and career options.
Objective
The objective of this award is to stimulate interest in digestive disease research among applicants from groups underrepresented in biomedical research through mentored research experience with a goal of encouraging promising students to pursue careers in science, medicine, and specifically basic and/or clinical digestive disease research to expand the pipeline of investigators from diverse backgrounds.
Funding
Recipients will receive a $6,200 stipend for the summer.

Eligibility

Applicants in good academic standing enrolled in undergraduate programs leading to a bachelor’s degree who are continuing in the fall (i.e., no graduating seniors) are eligible to apply.Applicants must identify with a group traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research, including:Racial and ethnic groups: African Americans or Blacks, Native Alaskans, Native Americans, Native U.S. Pacific Islanders, and those of Hispanic origin.
Individuals with disabilities.
Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, i.e., those meeting two or more of the following criteria:Current or former homeless.
Those who were in the foster care system.
Those who were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years.
First generation college students.
Those who were or are currently eligible for Federal Pell grants.
Those who received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
Those who grew up in a U.S. rural area according to the Health Resources and Services Administration or a Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Area according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Past recipients may reapply in subsequent years provided the required scientific progress report and any follow-up surveys were submitted following the previous funded project and other eligibility requirements are still met.Applicants must identify, contact and secure support from a research mentor. Applicants may choose from one of our participating mentors listed below or apply with faculty mentor you already work with, provided they are an AGA member.Recipients must secure housing for the duration of the award term.

Ineligibility

Applicants may not hold similar salary-support awards from other agencies (e.g., American Liver Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, NIH).
This award is not intended to provide salary support for laboratory technicians.