The Bridging the Gap to Enhance Clinical Research (BIGGER) Program provides a high-quality research experience over a six-month period for students in their gap year, defined as the period after college graduation and prior to applying for or enrollment in graduate/professional school.

The program is designed to attract diverse, talented students to careers in science; to foster a better understanding of clinical research and its implications; and to provide opportunities for students to gain valuable research experience in preparation for a health professions career. The proposed immersion program will expand and complement existing NIH-sponsored training programs at Duke University and under the leadership of the co-PIs, Dr. Kevin Thomas and Dr. Vivian Chu.

Please contact Molly Matlock (molly.matlock@duke.edu) with any questions or concerns.

Program Application and Dates

Please check back starting in November for updates on the 2025 program application cycle. Direct inquiries can be sent to molly.matlock@duke.edu

Who is the BIGGER Program for?

Students who have recently finished an undergraduate degree who are taking a gap year prior to applying for or enrolling in a graduate/health professions school.A total of six students will be chosen each year.Since this program is funded by the National Institute of Health, only U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-citizen nationals are eligible.

Program Highlights

• Six-month research experience beginning in June (repeats annually)

• Recruitment of individuals from underrepresented groups from area universities

• Trainee development of a research project in cardiovascular medicine

• Didactic curriculum on clinical research methodology

• Training in the responsible conduct of research

• Career development sessions led by faculty mentors

• Observational clinical rotation to enhance educational experience

• Each trainee will work with a senior and junior faculty mentor

• Participants will receive a stipend

Resources