05-09-2018 ( Ohio )
Twelve students were competitively selected to participate in Akron Children’s Hospital’s Summer Pediatric Research Scholars (SPRS) program this summer. This year marks the 12th anniversary of the SPRS program at Akron Children’s.
The students – college sophomores or juniors contemplating careers in healthcare – will conduct research projects and be mentored by physicians, surgeons, nurses, therapists and other experienced hospital investigators. These mentors define research projects that can focus on enhancing patient safety or quality of care; evaluating effectiveness of new treatments, technologies, or methods; or improving the healthcare experience for patients and families.
“The SPRS program offers highly motivated undergraduate students hands-on experience conducting a clinical research study under the tutelage of Akron Children’s most experienced investigators,” says chief research officer Michael Kelly, MD, PhD. “At the same time, these students are helping hospital researchers answer significant questions to improve our overall patient care.”
SPRS students also attend weekly educational classes on biomedical research and shadow Akron Children’s clinicians in several pediatric medical disciplines. The 10-week program begins in June and culminates in August when the students present their research study results to members of Akron Children’s medical staff, researchers, academic partners, family members and peers.
Akron Children’s 2018 Summer Pediatric Research Scholars are:
Student Name |
School (class of) |
Major |
Hometown |
Lauren Campbell |
Baylor University (2019) |
Business |
Waco, Texas |
Maria Colvis |
Kent State University (2019) |
Biology/Pre-Med |
Stow, OH |
Emily Derimiggio |
The University of Akron (2020) |
Biology/Pre-Med |
North Canton, OH |
Alyssa Gehring |
Xavier University (2018) |
Biology |
Stow, OH |
Colleen Hoynes |
The Ohio State University (2020) |
Mathematics |
Medina, OH |
Jacob Hyrne |
The University of Akron (2020) |
Biology/Pre-Med |
Canal Fulton, OH |
Abigail Kraft |
The University of Akron (2020) |
Biomedical Engineering |
Brunswick, OH |
Madison Shoff |
Ohio University (2019) |
Biology/Pre-Med |
Massillon, OH |
Henry Stitzel |
St. John’s University (2019) |
Chemistry |
Peninsula, OH |
Meredith Stout |
Eastern Michigan University (2019) |
Exercise Science |
Medina, OH |
Hannah Trent |
Ursuline College (2019) |
Biology |
Mayfield Heights, OH |
Rachel Wentworth |
Malone University (2020) |
Biochemistry |
Sugarcreek, OH |
Sponsored by the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children’s SPRS program began in 2006. To date, nearly 150 students have completed the program and several student investigations have been presented at national professional conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Additional information about the SPRS program, including criteria, eligibility and important program dates can be found at www.akronchildrens.org/sprs.
Kathleen Folkerth
330-543-0569
kfolkerth@akronchildrens.org
Holly Pupino
330-543-4360
hpupino@akronchildrens.org