Summer Research Elective

The Summer Research Elective is an intensive 8-week course where students are expected to complete a research project, from project idea to primary data collection and analysis, to a written manuscript. Students spend most of their time focused on primary data collection and data analysis in the field. Students must identify an in-country research mentor for their project, and they will work with the student to formulate research topic ideas that are relevant to the local population.

The key objectives of this course are as follows:

To develop critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for dealing with global health challenges.
To advance knowledge of global health issues by learning how to conceptualize research questions, design a research study, and interpret and present results.
To understand appropriate use, validity, and limitations of patient records and local health reports in the design of laboratory-based or clinical research experiences in a global health environment.
To gain insight into health care globally by conducting research on relevant disease burdens in an international site or underserved population.
Learn how to implement a research project in a different country ethically by creating a research proposal and getting approval from UTSW and in-country (if applicable) institutional review board or ethics committees.
To gain more understanding of health systems and services in low-resource countries.
To learn systematic approaches to research implementation in low-resource environments