Program Overview

Introduction to the Summer Undergraduate Research Training (SMART) Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research Training (SMART) Program is a frontier-level, biomedical summer research project for undergraduates in a supportive environment with supplemental educational activities.

Program Details

• The official dates for the SMART Program 2026 are June 1 through July 31.
• The move-in date will be May 31 and move-out date will be Aug. 1.
• The program offers:
  • Nine paid weeks of biomedically related research in a broad range of areas
  • Research and professional development seminars designed for undergraduates
  • Career development activities
  • Designated housing near Baylor College of Medicine

Compensation and Benefits

• The compensation package is approximately $5,400 for nine weeks.
• Depending on the funding source, compensation will be all salary or a combination of salary and allocation for housing or travel.

Eligibility and Application

• The program welcomes students from all science and math majors, and even non-science majors with appropriate background and interest.
• Projects span the spectrum of biomedical science, including projects in bioengineering and computational biology.
• The SMART program application for Summer 2026 is now open, with an application deadline of Jan. 30.

Testimonials

• "I am extremely grateful to have had such an empowering mentor such as Dr. Chao during my time in the SMART Program. She allowed me freedom in my research based on my interests and adequately introduced me into the world of scientific research. I greatly benefited from her encouragement and mentorship as a current junior scientist." – Mary Clare, SMART 2023 Student
• "I loved working in the Samuel Lab! These past two summers at Baylor were brilliant experiences." – Amen, SMART 2023 and 2024 Student
• "During my two summers in the SMART program, I became a finalist and won an award in the elevator pitch competition while working in Dr. Boriek's lab, where I learned to write abstracts and present complex data. I also enjoyed the research discussion groups, which allowed me to connect with a current grad student and build friendships with fellow SMART participants as we developed new skills together." – Timi, SMART 2023 and 2024 Student

Program Structure

• The program includes daily seminars, discussion groups, and extra activities.
• Participants will have the opportunity to get to know other participants and people at Baylor College of Medicine.

Baylor College of Medicine

• The college is located in the Texas Medical Center, providing incomparable resources for research and learning.
• The program has gained nationwide recognition from students, their advisers, and granting agencies as one of the most successful ever created.