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Student Research

At Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, we foster a culture of research among our students, recognizing the importance of honing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical understanding. Engaging in research not only enriches students' academic experiences but also strengthens their applications for residency or graduate school. We provide various avenues for students to immerse themselves in research, offering structured courses and immersive fellowships.

Student Research Opportunities 

Currently under development, the Blue Ribbon Fellowship is available as a fourth-year block rotation for students engaged in research related to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. For information, contact Dr. Randell Gregg* @nova.edu

First and second-year College of Osteopathic Medicine students who excel in conducting research in clinical medicine or biomedical science are eligible to apply for the Dr. Kenneth Burnell Student Research Award. Recipients of this award are granted a $500 cash prize and receive elective research credit on their transcripts.

Students need to apply for this award with an application that includes:

  • Abstract
  • Background/significance
  • Hypothesis
  • Methodology
  • Evaluation

Research proposals are awarded based on the following criteria: originality, purpose of research, hypothesis, research methodology, method of data collection, and planned method of dissemination of findings.

For more information and the application for the Dr. Kenneth Burnell Student Research Award, please contact Dr. Debra Cohn Steinkohl at steinkol@nova.edu.

The OSM-II Research Fellowship is an elective program available to students after completing their second year of osteopathic medical school (OMS-II). The fellowship lasts for one year and requires students to dedicate 37.5 hours per week to research-related activities. NSU covers tuition for the fourth and fifth years of medical training for fellows.

By the end of the fellowship, students should demonstrate:

  • Proficiency in research methods.
  • Enhanced written and oral communication skills for scientific data dissemination.
  • Integration of latest research findings into osteopathic medical practice.
  • Understanding of ethical principles in research involving human participants.

Fellows are required to:

  • Create an individualized training plan with their research mentor.
  • Complete all academic coursework outlined in the training plan.
  • Pass the COMLEX-Level 1 Exam before starting the fellowship.
  • Undergo CITI training.
  • Engage in a research project or contribute to ongoing studies.
  • Attend regular meetings with their research mentor and participate in scheduled rounds with other fellows.

For more information on the Pre-clinical OMS-II Research Fellowship program, please contact the program director Dr. Robin J. Jacobs at rjacobs@nova.edu.

Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to present their research. Please refer to the respective websites for changing deadlines.

Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) of AACOM Research Symposium
Deadline: Fall
Meeting: January

Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA)
Deadline: December
Meeting: February

NSU Health Professions Division (HPD) Research Day
Deadline: December
Meeting: February

Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum (ESRF)
Deadline: December
Meeting: February

Florida Academy of Sciences (FAS)
Deadline: February
Meeting: March

Consortium for Excellence in Medical Education (CEME) Research Poster Competition
Deadline: March
Meeting: April

Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED)
Deadline: July
Meeting: October

SOAR is committed to nurturing research interests among our students. We offer mentorship, facilitate connections with faculty mentors, and provide guidance throughout the research process. For more information, contact faculty adviser Dr. Randal Gregg at studentresearchdir@nova.edu. 

Our elective research courses offer students hands-on experience in scientific inquiry. These courses include COM 9600A and COM 9600B, as well as Research Year courses COM 9601 and COM 9602. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, students can either develop their research projects or contribute to ongoing studies in their areas of interest.

COM 9600A

  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Offered to OMS-I or II students
  • Registration begins in the second half of the first year
  • Students are responsible for finding a research mentor

COM 9600B

  • 8 Credit Hours
  • Offered to OMS-IV students (may do two rotations)

OMS-III students are excluded from enrollment to concentrate on core rotations.

COM 9601 and COM 9602

  • 3 Credit Hours
  • OMS-III students
  • Taken for one year following the M1, M2, or M3 year
  • Requires personal leave of absence
  • Begins fall semester (9601) and can continue through winter semester (9602)  

For more information, contact Dr. Randal Gregg at studentresearchdir@nova.edu.

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