GEMS - Gateway to Excellence in bioMedical Science

Tentative Program Dates: Tuesday, June 1st - Wednesday, August 4th, 2027

The goal of the GEMS Program is to provide undergraduate students with paid summer research experiences in basic and translational research focused on heart, lung, and blood diseases. The program is intended for undergraduate students who are currently enrolled at an academic institution and have completed at least two years of college (rising juniors and seniors).

The overarching goal of the GEMS Program is to support the development of future scientists by providing undergraduate students with mentored research experiences, exposure to the biomedical research environment, and opportunities to interact with biomedical scientists. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds and especially encourages applications from those with limited access to research opportunities at their college or university.

GEMS students participate in an intensive, full-time summer research experience. Participating laboratories are housed within basic and clinical science departments across the CU Anschutz Medical Campus (CU-AMC).  These laboratories conduct research on a wide range of heart, lung, and blood (HLB) diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, vasculopathies, pulmonary inflammation, acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, stem cell regenerative medicine as it relates to HLB applications, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and pediatric pulmonary diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia.  

Research projects commonly span a variety of disciplines, including biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell and developmental biology, human medical genetics, immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Through their research experiences, students gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge biomedical research while developing the skills necessary for future scientific and healthcare careers.   

Please note, because this is a federally funded program, participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.