Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce (CREW)

• Students enrolled in an undergraduate college with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Born and/or raised in the United States Virgin Islands.
• United States citizen or permanent resident.
• Age 18-years or older
• Willing and available to give a poster presentation describing their research experience.
• Accepted students must be in attendance for the entire duration of the 8-week fellowship, including:
  
  • 2-week didactic bootcamp at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and
  • 6-week immersive United States Virgin Islands experience

• Application Opens: October 1^st, 2024
• Application Deadline: January 31 ^st, 2025
• Decision Notification: February 28^th, 2025
• Program Dates: May 29^th 2025 – July 30^th, 2025

• 8-week immersive, mentored cardiovascular disease disparities research experience, including 10-day Research Bootcamp at University of Miami.
• Gain experience conducting clinical research and learn to structure, design, and present research posters.
• Professional, career development, and networking with faculty, residents, and medical students.
• Cardiovascular disease disparities research curricula.
• Exposure to University of Miami Miller School of Medicine laboratories conducting cardiovascular disease research.
• Interactive seminars with URM Cardiovascular disease researchers.
• Mentorship one-on-one from leading cardiovascular disease disparities researcher experts.
• Guidance through graduate school applications. 
• All-inclusive program: No cost to attend; housing and meals provided during the 8-week program.
• Stipends provided upon program completion.

Please click on the link below to complete the application form and upload the requirements listed below.

Apply Now

Requirements

1. Copy of Unofficial Transcript(s) – copy of official transcripts needed once accepted to the program
2. Current Resume/CV
3. Copy of government issued photo ID
4. (2) Letters of Recommendation
5. Health Insurance Information
6. Submit a 500-word statement discussing your research interests and how they align with the CREW Program, including:
   •    challenges or adversity that you have personally overcome, and
   •    personal attributes that would make you a great health researcher.
7. Final applicants will be invited to interview with the CREW Administration Team

IMPORTANT: Letters of recommendation should be submitted on official letterhead, and at least one letter must come from a science professor. All letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by the reference to USVI-CREW@med.miami.edu. Please provide their contact information, including name, email address, and phone number, in the application for verification.

If you have any questions, please contact the CREW Administration Team @ USVI-CREW@med.miami.edu.

• Q: Will housing be provided in Miami and in the Virgin Islands?
  • A: Yes, dormitory housing will be provided on campus at the University of Miami Gables Campus and the University of the Virgin Islands Orville E. Kean Campus in St. Thomas. The residential hall students are placed in is subject to availability.

• Q: Will the 6-week research experience be hosted on St. Croix or St. Thomas?
  
  • A: Students will be based in St. Thomas for the 6-week experience, but research activities will take placed on all three major islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John). Inter-island travel and housing will be provided by CREW Administration.

• Q: Do I need to currently live in the Virgin Islands to participate?
  
  • A: No, this program is open to any undergraduate student born and/or raised in the US Virgin Islands. You do not need to currently live on island to participate.

• Q: What if I currently live outside the US?
  
  • A: CREW cannot accommodate travel outside the US. Accepted students will be responsible for any travel plans outside the US.

• Q: Are the travel arrangements flexible?
  
  • A: Two flights will be provided:
    MIA Arrival: Travel arrangements will be made from St. Thomas or another US mainland location → Miami at the start of the summer program and Miami → St. Thomas for the 6-week immersion. Students will be responsible for any additional travel arrangements travel outside the scheduled program dates.

• Q: Can we work or attend other classes while participating in CREW?
  
  • A: Participation in CREW is the equivalent of a full-time job. Students can expect to dedicate 40 hours per week to classroom lectures, research activities, and field experience. Students are welcome to enroll in online classes or work remote jobs as long as they do not interfere with daily participation in CREW. Absences for work or other activities are not permitted and can result in dismissal from the program. Scheduled activities (e.g. conference presentations, award ceremonies, graduations, etc.) must be discussed with the Administrative Team prior to acceptance into the program and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Q: What is the onboarding process?
  
  • A: Upon acceptance, students must complete a background check, vaccination check, drug test and medical screening in order to participate in CREW. Students who do not complete these steps will be withdrawn from the program.

• Q: Do I need to bring my laptop?
  
  • A: If possible, students are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet for in-class lectures and online activities.

• Q: How much are the student stipends and when will we receive them?
  
  • A: Student are compensated $10/hour and work 40 hours/week for 8-weeks, for a total of $3,200. Stipends are paid by check at the completion of the 8-week program.

• Q: Will transportation be provided in the Virgin Islands?
  • A: No, students will be responsible for their own transportation. Taxis or public transportation options, such as VITRAN buses, are available for students without a personal vehicle.