IRACDA Summer Institute
The IRACDA Summer Institute offers a paid, 10-week undergraduate research opportunity for students from North Hennepin Community College and Normandale College. Participants work in a University of Minnesota lab on a personalized research project, guided by one-on-one mentorship from an IRACDA postdoctoral scholar. At the conclusion of the program, summer students present their research findings to peers, mentors, and invited faculty from both partner colleges.
In addition to research, students engage in specialized programming that includes professional development workshops. Past sessions have featured:
- Agar Art Microbial Workshop with Dr. Julia Willett
- C. elegans Introduction with Dr. David Greenstein
- Faculty seminars with IRACDA research mentors and postdocs
- Imposter Syndrome Workshop with Dr. Amy Furniss
- Research lab tours across multiple UMN facilities
- Academic support and prospective student networking sessions
Student Testimonials
"The IRACDA Summer Institute Program has helped broaden my understanding of conducting research in a lab setting in the most fun and supportive way. It has also given me many resources and contacts, which has been vital to my transfer experience here at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I would recommend this program to anyone who is majoring in the sciences as it has opened my eyes to a whole world of opportunities and helped solidify my decision to pursue a career in STEM."
"As a shy and nervous individual, I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the IRACDA program. It increased my passion for science, built my confidence in all aspects, and taught me to navigate through challenges. Apply, you won't regret it!"
"The IRACDA summer institute was an eye opener for me. I have always been fixed on going into pharmacy school, and the program opened my eyes to all the different things I could possibly pursue with that degree, including research. The research aspect helped me develop confidence in skills and topics that I have covered in my undergrad classes while picking up new skills that might be relevant for future endeavors. I started the program being a bit anxious but very proud at the end that I did it."
Summer 2024
