UMSN Doctoral Student Completes Prestigious NIH Summer Genetics Institute

"It really opened my eyes to the extent of work being done at the many levels and aspects of genetics and genomics.  It makes me hopeful about the possibilities of future discoveries, especially nursing’s role."  

University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) Ph.D. student Cheryl Lee has completed the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) Summer Genetics Institute (SGI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Held in Bethesda, Maryland, on the NIH campus, the highly competitive and intensive program includes both classroom and laboratory components.

“I learned a lot, had some ideas sparked, made connections, and even developed good friendships with many of the participants,” says Lee.

Lee and other participants were chosen based on “potential for a highly productive research or clinical career.” Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, research experience, publications, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Lee was encouraged to apply for the program by her faculty advisor Assistant Professor Maria Katapodi, Ph.D., RN, FAAN.

“Cheryl’s acceptance and participation in this prestigious program highlights the quality and caliber of our Ph.D. students,” says UMSN Associate Dean for Research and Global Affairs Antonia Villarruel, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. Lee was a pre-doctoral fellow on Dr. Villarruel’s NINR funded research “Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Interventions with Vulnerable Populations,” which supported Lee’s trip to the SGI.

The SGI provides a strong foundation in molecular genetics to use in research, clinical practice and teaching activities. Participants learn to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and applications of genetic tests, as well as to use molecular genetics methods in biobehavioral research in a laboratory setting. In addition, the program focuses on the ethical and legal issues related to genetic testing and genetic counseling and their implications for practice and research. Participants include promising nursing graduate students, faculty, and clinicians.

Lee says she met Patricia Grady, Director of NINR, UMSN alumna and NIH Assistant Clinical Investigator Henna Lee, and other leaders in nursing research. “It was quite a group,” says Lee. “It was remarkable how accomplished people were.”