As federal funding and policies for science evolve, young scientists are curious about the field’s future. Communicating the importance of science remains crucial as it is a trusted source of medical and health information. According to a recent poll, over 90% of adults across political lines believe the U.S. should lead in health-related research.
The Research!America survey highlights that public trust in scientific research is strong, emphasizing the need for federal support. The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship at U-M is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists. This program, part of U-M’s Life Sciences Institute, offers high school students a six-week paid internship, immersing them in scientific research.
Since 2018, U-M’s Aspirnaut program has trained 60 interns from over 30 Michigan counties, including areas with traditionally low U-M enrollment. The program aims to equip participants with research skills and experiences that facilitate their educational advancement. Interns work on individual projects under mentorship, enhancing their transition to college with additional workshops and development activities.
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- A Faculty Forum on March 13 will explore how the Aspirnaut Summer Internship, D-RISE, and BioMed Focus programs provide a foundation for success in science. Learn more.
All Aspirnaut alumni have pursued postsecondary education, with nearly half attending U-M and 80% being first-generation college students. Over half of these alumni chose life sciences majors, while 15% pursued other STEM fields. The program demonstrates its impact not only through statistics but through the interns’ testimonials, evidencing life-changing experiences and career inspirations in research.
The Aspirnaut program collaborates with various U-M initiatives, including the Research Experience for Youth and D-RISE, to enhance scientific engagement across the university. It serves as a foundational step in a continuum of educational opportunities from undergraduate to postdoctoral levels, connecting students to careers in STEM.
Other programs, such as the Perrigo Summer Undergraduate Fellowship, further support aspiring scientists by offering research opportunities to students from Michigan colleges. These programs work collectively to advance the future of science and ensure that students can look to U-M for opportunities to explore and develop their scientific interests.
— Roger Cone is the Mary Sue Coleman Director of the Life Sciences Institute, the Tadataka Yamada Distinguished University Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology in the Medical School, and a professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. His extensive research and discoveries related to the nervous system’s control of energy storage have earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
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