Please Join Us in Supporting Rising Scientist-Scholars
Since 2020, the Microbiology and Immunology Diversity
Scholars (MIDS) Program has provided research experience, professional
development, and mentorship opportunities to undergraduate student-scholars
from historically underrepresented groups in science.
Diversity scholars in the MIDS Program engage in clinical
and translational research projects under the guidance of experienced
University researchers and principal investigators in the fields of
microbiology and immunology. In addition to research experience, scholars
develop scientific skills, build relationships with mentors, attend career
development seminars, and present their independent research at both in-house
and national scientific conferences.
By engaging in research, career development, and mentorship
opportunities, student-scholars develop into competitive applicants for
graduate programs, specifically PhD or MD/PhD programs, immediately upon
bachelor's degree completion.
What our students are saying about MIDS:
"MIDs has not only been a place where I’ve expanded my knowledge of biomedical research, but it has also opened doors to meaningful mentorship and invaluable connections. This program has truly given me the confidence to dive deeper into my research and to explore areas I once found intimidating. Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of learning from individuals who have already navigated the challenges of conducting research during their undergraduate studies. The mentors and peers I’ve met are not just colleagues but a network I can rely on for guidance and inspiration. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as it has solidified my passion for research and shown me the value of mentorship and shared learning experiences.” - Current MIDS Scholar, Pitt Arts & Sciences - Class of 2027
"The MIDS program was truly a transformative experience. After I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, I spent my gap year as a postbaccalaureate Intramural Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (iCURE) research fellow at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. As a research fellow, I engaged in cancer research under the supervision of Jay Berzofsky, MD, PhD, senior investigator of the Vaccine Branch. That experience further expanded my interest in cancer immunotherapies, which was something that was first ignited in the MIDS program under the tutelage of Olivera Finn, PhD, distinguished professor in the Department of Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. My research fellowship was soon cut short by my acceptance into the University of Illinois College of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) in Chicago. As I begin this new and exciting chapter, I look back often and recognize the profound effect the MIDS Program had on my journey, and I am equally excited to see what the program has in store for the future generation of students." -- MIDS Scholar, Pitt Arts & Sciences - Class of 2022
“Being part of a lab where you conduct both independent and collaborative experiments taught me many research-specific techniques and transferable skills. While working on my research project in the Bruno lab, the most important skills I acquired were independence, communication, collaboration, and time management. Specific experiments required cooperation with colleagues in the lab and emphasized the need for coordination, time management, and proper communication.
The MIDS program also provided me with the financial and networking resources necessary to conduct research and present my findings at national conferences like the Annual Biomedical Research Conference and the National Diversity in STEM Conference hosted by SACNAS—I wouldn’t have had the chance to participate in such opportunities otherwise." - MIDS Scholar, Pitt Arts & Sciences - Class of 2022
How your contributions translate to student success for our scientist-scholars:
Your gift in support of the MIDS Fund provides support for student-scholar placement within labs in the Microbiology and Immunology Department in which they will be mentored, networking events with other scientists at various stages of their educational pathway and careers, as well as support for MIDS Scholars to participate in scientific conferences to present their research.