A Summer of Discovery: Undergraduates Drive Mental Health Research Forward

Menninger Clinic | A Summer of Discovery: Undergraduates Drive Mental Health Research Forward
Menninger Clinic | A Summer of Discovery: Undergraduates Drive Mental Health Research Forward
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Our Summer Menninger Undergraduate Research Fellows (SMURFs) have just wrapped up their internships at Menninger, marking a highly successful summer.
 
The eight-week paid fellowship, held in June and July, provides undergraduates with invaluable clinical research experience. Students observe patient interactions, meet with faculty and staff and work on their own original research projects with guidance from experienced staff.
 
This was the first summer Menninger had three high school students interested in mental health, all with research experience. It was also the first time The Clinic hosted a student with the Baylor College of Medicine SMART program, which supports undergraduates in biomedical research. It was inspiring to witness so many enthusiastic and talented individuals on campus, sharing their commitment to advancing mental health.
 
Pictured above (left to right):
  • Nisha Oruganti (SMURF, Rice University)
  • Nelly Zapata (SMURF, Rice University)
  • Sydney Robertson (Junior SMURF, Houston School for Performing Arts)
  • Annabeth Yeung (SMURF, Rice University)
  • Aryan Shah (Junior SMURF, Clements High School)
  • George Wen (SMURF, Rice University)
  • Sam Vasich (Baylor College of Medicine SMART SMURF, Augustana College)
Not pictured:
  • Rhea Ahuja (Junior SMURF, Clements High School)
The fellows engaged in diverse projects, including assisting with a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)-funded study comparing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ketamine, exploring neuroscience topics, shadowing clinical outcomes, observing recreational therapy, digitizing historical texts, analyzing predictors of effective treatment and research computer programming. They presented their final projects on July 17.
 
“The research experience the students gain through the SMURF program isn’t just helpful for developing core research skills, but really helps the students explore their interests in mental health and bring into focus the things they are passionate about,” says Ryan Smith, MS, who coordinates the SMURF program.
 
“Their interactions with faculty and staff have been invaluable, helping them understand what it means to be a mental health professional and informing them as they plan their educational paths, as well as future ambitions."
 
This fellowship is a key part of Menninger's efforts to educate future mental health professionals. Donors who support our training programs create access to skilled and compassionate caregivers who are ready to meet patients wherever they are in their mental health journey.