V-START and V-SMART Scholar Programs
Vanderbilt is committed to the academic success of all students in the sciences through V-START and V-SMART. Our goal is to promote broad participation in the biomedical research workforce by strengthening research training environments and expanding the pool of well-trained students who complete their baccalaureate degree, and transition into and complete biomedical, research-focused higher degree programs (such as Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.).
Vanderbilt STEM Transition and ReTention (V-START)
V-START facilitates the entry of first- and second-year students into STEM research at Vanderbilt University through both academic year and summer programming.
Learn more about:
Vanderbilt STEM Majors’ Achievement in Research Training (V-SMART)
V-SMART promotes continued research success through mentoring within the STEM community. Activities are designed for students interested in pursuing PhD or MD/PhD degrees in the biomedical sciences.
Learn more about:
V-START Biomedical Research Mentoring Groups
Are you a first- or second-year student interested in learning more about biomedical research as a career while getting to know other students and faculty?
We invite any interested freshmen or sophomores to join a V-START mentoring group. Mentoring groups meet a few times each semester to learn about research opportunities at Vanderbilt, to discuss career paths in the biomedical sciences, and to foster research participation. Sign up here to participate by Sept 19th, 2025.
V-START Summer Research Fellowships
Are you a rising sophomore at Vanderbilt University? Apply for the V-START program for Summer 2026. Due February 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Link to apply: V-START (Vanderbilt STEM Transition And ReTention) Summer Research Fellowship application – Fill out form
The goal of the V-START Program is to promote broad participation in the biomedical research workforce by strengthening research training environments and expanding the pool of well-trained students who complete their baccalaureate degree and pursue post-graduate degrees and careers in STEM. We encourage all individuals to apply, especially those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds (Pell-grant eligible), first-generation college students, and those with disabilities.
If you are already working in a research laboratory and your faculty mentor has agreed to host you for summer research (if funded by START), please indicate that in your application.
If you have not identified a faculty research mentor, you may be matched with a laboratory through the application process. In the application form, you will be taken to a list of potential mentors to rank. You may be contacted by faculty to provide additional information or to interview during the selection process.
Requirements
- 9 weeks of full-time summer research from June 1-July 31, 2026 (deviations in the dates may be accommodated with approval prior to acceptance of the award)
- Participation in research symposium during last week of program
- Participation in weekly professional development activities (1-2 hours/week)
Restrictions
- Must be a rising Vanderbilt sophomore (rare exceptions are made – explain your situation in the application if you would like to be considered)
- Enrollment in summer courses during the program dates is not permitted
Other Information
- Students with the Crescere Aude Scholarship or other summer internship scholarships provided by Vanderbilt will be required to apply for that funding if accepted into the START program. We will help you with that process.
- Students with financial need will have access to reduced-cost on-campus housing. Details will be provided upon acceptance into the program (and will also be discussed at information sessions).
Information Sessions
- Thursday, January 15 (5-6 pm, Stevenson Center 2-212). Information session – learn how to apply and get your questions answered!
- Thursday, February 5 (5-6 pm, U6202 MRBIII). Get help/feedback on your application from faculty and graduate students.
- Tuesday, February 10 (5-6 pm, U6202 MRBIII). Get help/feedback on your application from faculty and graduate students.
- RSVP here
Summer 2025
For Summer 2025, more than 40 Vanderbilt students (many rising sophomores) successfully engaged in 9 weeks of intensive summer research, mentoring, and career development. V-START/V-SMART was excited to welcome two students from the Psychology Summer Research Program. Projects ranged from structural biology, to tissue engineering, to circadian rhythms in bees. Scholars engaged with the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy and met biweekly for enrichment sessions. Students wrote and edited abstracts of their work with help from graduate students and attended a workshop on best practices for poster and oral presentations. The Summer Symposium was a highlight with 54 oral and poster presentations from the V-START/V-SMART Scholars, Beckman Scholars, and several affiliated students. It was an exciting day to learn from each other and celebrate our accomplishments!
V-START/V-SMART Conference Attendance
In November of 2024, a group of Vanderbilt research students traveled along with their V-START/V-SMART faculty mentor to Pittsburgh, PA to attend ABRCMS, the largest undergraduate research meeting on the United States. There, they presented their research, attended lectures by preeminent scientists, met with representatives of graduate and professional programs from myriad universities, and networked with faculty and students from across the country. The Scholars were accompanied by Dr. Kathy Friedman and graduate mentor Christina Chavez. Nate Kreuzer (class of 2026) won a presentation award for his poster!
For more information or to apply, please contact V-START@vanderbilt.edu