Integrated Health Sciences and Research Program
Integrated Health Sciences and Research Experience
The IHSR experience offers a two- to three-year experiential learning opportunity for Virginia Tech undergraduate students of any major seeking extensive research involvement in various biomedical fields such as neuroscience, cancer, health behaviors, addiction and recovery, neurobiology, exercise medicine, and neuromotor research. Accepted students begin with a 1-credit course that introduces them to biomedical research before securing a placement in one of nearly 45 laboratories at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia. Once matched with a lab, students will coordinate their academic schedules to allow for at least 10 hours of research over any two-day period each week, traveling by car or bus between Blacksburg and Roanoke. By graduation, many students will have the chance to present their research at local symposiums, with some even achieving publication alongside their faculty mentor.
Applications due Jan. 31, 2025
The benefits of the IHSR experience
- Extensive involvement in biomedical research
- Professional skill development in interpreting scientific literature and presenting scientific research
- Clinical shadowing opportunities through Carilion Clinic
- Tailored mentoring and academic support
What IHSR IS...
- An immersive research experience in Roanoke that enhances both academic knowledge and professional skills in biomedical research, complementing the student’s degree pursuits.
What IHSR is NOT...
- IHSR is NOT a degree, certification, or academic major.
Program Elements and Timeline
The IHSR program is a 3-year journey that spans 5 to 6 semesters. Here's a sample timeline of how the experience unfolds:
1. Application and Admitted Student Welcome Event at FBRI – the IHSR application closes in January each year. Later that Spring, admitted students are invited to FBRI for a tour and welcome celebration.
2. Intro Course and Lab Match: in the Fall, new students will enroll in a 1-credit Intro to Biomedical Research course. During this time, students will embark on a match process to explore the various laboratories at FBRI and interview to join one.
3. Begin Lab Work: Once students join a lab, they begin working at FBRI for a minimum of 10 hours per week, typically spread over 2-3 days. As they continue over future semesters, students can expand the time spent in the lab to deepen their experience and progress with their research projects.
4. Core IHSR Coursework: IHSR students are expected to enroll in three 1-credit courses over their 3-year journey:
- - Intro to Biomedical Research: an introduction and overview of the IHSR program; the various types of labs and scope of research taking place at FBRI; program expectations.
- - Journal Club – Interpreting Scientific Research: students read various scientific papers and in turn, present the data and findings with other members of the course.
- - Senior Seminar – Presenting Scientific Research: students learn the key elements of creating an impactful poster based on their own research and practice effective communication and presentation methods for a wider audience. Presentations are peer-reviewed and discussed.
5. Scientific Research Presentation: By the end of the IHSR program, students are expected to present their work at least once via a research symposium, conference, or lab meeting. Opportunities will be communicated throughout the program.
6. Additional Opportunities:
- - Career Development Course: designed to help students plan their post-college future, whether they aim to enter the workforce or apply to graduate, medical, or other professional schools.
- - Clinical Shadowing: IHSR offers a 10-week clinical shadowing field experience through Carilion Clinic
- - Elective Coursework: varying elective courses are offered each year and conducted in collaboration with clinical colleagues from Carilion. Courses provide students with additional opportunities to network with professionals in careers of interest.
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Leanna Blevins, Ph.D. , redirectAssociate Vice President for Health Sciences Academic Affairs and Affiliate Research, Co-director, Integrated Health Sciences Research Program, Assistant Professor, Population Health Sciences
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Sarah M. Clinton, Ph.D. , redirectHealth Sciences Associate Vice President for Planning and Strategy, Co-Director, Integrated Health Sciences Research Program
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Dustin Eshelman , redirectCoordinator of Experiential Learning
Coming soon!
Integrated Health Sciences Research program leaders are developing an opportunity for IHSR students to pursue an accelerated master’s degree in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health. Selected students will enroll for a 5th year of study and complete an M.S. degree while continuing to conduct research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Information sessions will be held this spring for interested students.
Virginia Tech's Health Sciences and Technology Campus is home to the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, the Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine's Animal Cancer Care and Research Center. The campus features state-of-the-art laboratories and care facilities, two libraries, and a gym, and is a host to dozens of lectures by internationally important visiting researchers every year.
The campus is connected to Blacksburg by the Smartway Express bus, free to Virginia Tech students. Abundant free parking is also available on site. A free trolley service links the campus to Roanoke's vibrant downtown.
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