American Heart Association - AHA Partners to Promote Diversity in Science

Considering a Career in Biomedical or Health Care Sciences? Be a part of the American Heart Association’s Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Scholars Program!

Through a partnership with the American Heart Association, mentored 12-to-18-week academic year research experiences are available for students from ethnic and racial groups underrepresented in science.

Students will be selected by local Hispanic Serving Institutions. Explore the Biological, Behavioral and Social Determinants of Health Discover what factors affect health in vulnerable populations through the AHA’s extensive unique resources. Engage in leadership workshops to prepare you for a diverse career in the biomedical sciences.

Gain Invaluable Experience and Mentoring Work with an AHA-associated researcher, sampling career paths and learning how the AHA supports research. Scholars will also prepare a poster on their research and receive a stipend during their academic year in the program.

Attend the AHA’s International Scientific Research Conference
During the three-day meeting, thousands of attendees from around the world hear presentations about advances in patient care. Hundreds of exhibitors
showcase the latest Cardiovascular technology and resources. Here scholars will meet and network with scientific and medical leaders.
Experience a Student-Focused
Research Symposium
Highlight the results of your research and network with your peers and others who can shape your career.
The AHA is committed to increasing diversity in science and in the delivery of health care, and our HSI Scholars Program is waiting for you. Applications will be accepted from sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are highly motivated to seek careers in the biomedical or health sciences and have an interest in community engagement and impact.

Eligibility and selection criteria include
• Students who have expressed interest in research, public health, or healthcare-related fields.
• Full-time undergraduate rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors.
• Exemplary academic performance and recommendations.

Student Benefits
• Stipend from the American Heart Association.
• Professional Development workshops
• Networking opportunities at an AHA scientific meeting and regional symposium.
• Local community engagement opportunities

Mentor Responsibilities
• Supervise students for the duration of the research experience.
• Basic curriculum components can include:
– Compliance training (use of human and/or animal subjects, radioactivity, biohazards, etc.).
– Training on Responsible Conduct in Research.
– Presentation of projects.
– Networking opportunities: conferences, meetings, local programs, etc.
– Information on health equity, stress/time management, etc.
– Team science model that exposes the student to basic, clinical, and population science.
• Student must have a clearly identified project
– Mentor should provide AHA with project title, a brief description of student’s project, and clearly-defined objectives/goals for student project
– When possible, the mentor should help connect the student to AHA local activities
• Students will be expected to conduct a poster presentation.
Outcomes
• Mentors will be asked to provide AHA with specific measurements of students’ progress.
• AHA may survey both mentors and students to assess program goals.

The application is open from March 1, 2022, to May 20, 2022.

For an application and more information contact Mitzi Cardona, at Mitzi.cardona@heart.org