CFAAR Scholars
Applications are closed for the 2024 CFAAR Scholars Program
The Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR), part of the Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, is recruiting for the 2024 Scholars program. At CFAAR, we look to find answers and shape policies surrounding food allergy, asthma and other allergic conditions.
Overview of Program:
The CFAAR Scholars Program is a 6-week paid internship opportunity that affords undergraduate, graduate, and medical students an opportunity to strengthen their skills in epidemiological, clinical, and community-based research topics. Students will attend weekly didactic sessions to learn from and be in conversation with CFAAR faculty, staff, and research collaborators.
Depending on project placement, students will gain hands-on experience including but not limited to:
- conducting literature reviews
- data entry/ cleaning/ interpretation
- recruiting study participants via phone and in-person
- medical scribing
- developing public speaking skills.
Please Note: CFAAR is not a wet lab. We do not conduct basic, bench, translational research in a laboratory. During the scholars program you will gain experience in public health research.
Goals, Commitment, and Compensation:
When: **6-week program (June 17th- July 26th, 2024)
Time: The goal is for students to work part-time, 24 hours/ week
Pay: Undergraduate students: $15.80/hour. Graduate students: $17/hour
Depending on project placement, students will gain hands-on experience including but not limited to:
- conducting literature reviews
- data entry/cleaning/ interpretation
- recruiting study participants via phone and in-person
- medical scribing
- developing public speaking skills.
**Based on scholar performance and project availability/needs at the end of the program, there are opportunities for scholars to continue working with CFAAR beyond the 6-week period. **
Application Timeline:
Application opens: Oct. 13th, 2023
Early decision- 1st round acceptance: Dec. 15th, 2023
- Students not accepted in first round will be deferred or rejected by this date
March 4th, 2024: Application closed
March 15th, 2024: Final decision- 2nd round acceptance
- All students will be contacted by this date
*We will be doing rolling interviews for qualified applicants*
The CFAAR Scholars Program aims to provide a supportive environment to critically engage in conversations about the systemic, underlying causes of historic and contemporary public health injustices while simultaneously exploring how to create policies, practices, and a culture that supports and sustains health. Students will leave the program with a holistic definition of health to guide them as they move through their educational and career journeys as students, advocates, clinicians, and researchers.
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate program
- Students must have completed their first year of an undergraduate program by June 2024
- Students from all majors and graduate concentrations are encouraged to apply!
- Enthusiasm for research and intellectual curiosity
- Ability to participate fully in-person for all 6 weeks of the program
- Capacity for part-time work each week
Preferred but not required:
- Experience recruiting participants for a study
- Experience with data analysis and/or biostatistical coursework
- Familiarity with Excel
- Scientific writing skills
If you have any questions please email: samantha.sansweet@northwestern.edu
Accounts from past Scholars
CFAAR is an amazing program! It’s incredibly well rounded in getting you introduced in research, and exploring what your interests are and diving deeper into what you’re passionate about. It was also a wonderful way to get introduced to people who share you values and interests! I made many special and genuine friendships in this experience that I’m so grateful for.
– Previous Scholar 2023
My biggest highlight was how well the program was designed for each scholar. We had great moments together in a fun environment and were also doing so well with work and taking things seriously.
- Previous Scholar 2023
For years, I have been interested in studying biology and medical research. As a high school student, however, I didn't have much experience in the real world outside of my classes. I knew that I liked the subject, but I had no idea how those fields could be applied. With the introduction to medical and public health research from this internship, I realized that I do indeed really enjoy this type of research...I found it inspiring how everyone at CFAAR always kept the community in mind, and worked not only on the research but also on the policy and informative practices that would result."
– Elizabeth Grieve 2021
I absolutely loved my experience working with CFAAR. I felt like I was challenged and inspired throughout the entirety of the program."
For years, I have been interested in studying biology and medical research. As a high school student, however, I didn't have much experience in the real world outside of my classes. I knew that I liked the subject, but I had no idea how those fields could be applied. With the introduction to medical and public health research from this internship, I realized that I do indeed really enjoy this type of research...I found it inspiring how everyone at CFAAR always kept the community in mind, and worked not only on the research but also on the policy and informative practices that would result."
The program leadership team played a major role in making this summer internship experience one of the best I have had (even with it being virtual)! Ashley, Isabel, Haley, and Elizabeth are incredibly kind and enthusiastic leaders. In every meeting, I could feel their passion for CFAAR and public health, and that is what made this internship so special and meaningful - being able to work with a leadership team who genuinely cares and supports their students' endeavors and experiences while exploring the field."
I thought the whole structure of the internship was great. I liked how there were sessions with the whole group and sessions to work on projects. I was so happy with how involved I was able to be in the projects I worked on. It was beyond my expectations for a summer internship and I feel I have learned so much this summer. I'm really thankful that I was able to be part of CFAAR this summer!"
My experience with CFAAR has guided my decision to pursue a DMD/MPH. I had never previously considered pursuing an MPH prior to the internship, but my experiences and interactions at CFAAR have showed me the importance, even responsibility, health care professionals have to improve community health."