Davidson Research Network
The Davidson Research Network (DRN) provides an off-campus summer research experience of approximately eight weeks for Davidson students who plan to pursue a career in the health sciences.
Each DRN experience is conducted under the mentorship of a research scientist leading their field of inquiry. Many of the mentors are Davidson graduates who have assumed leadership roles in health science research and education across the US.
The Davidson Research Network summer program was a key experience in my path toward a career in medicine. I worked in Dr. Sallie Permar’s lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, studying neonatal viral pathogens. Over 10 weeks, I gained confidence as a researcher and developed a greater understanding of laboratory techniques. By the end of the summer, I knew I wanted more; it became clear to me that this was a field I was truly passionate about. The following year, I applied for a full-time research technician position to return to Dr. Permar’s lab and dive further into my scientific interests. I was also honored to receive a post-baccalaureate scholarship from the American Society of Clinical Investigation to support my goal of becoming a physician-scientist. My experience with the DRN was phenomenal, and I highly encourage students interested in research to take advantage of this opportunity.
DRN sites are available across the country and may include disciplines such as: Oncology, Infectious Disease, Immunology, Neonatology, Dermatology, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, HIV Immunity and Prevention, Substance Abuse, and Healthcare Policy.
Sites may include the following:
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- The Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Primary Care in Washington DC
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Duke University
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Colorado
- The University of Kentucky
- Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School
- Cornell Weill Medical Center
The program is available to Davidson students who are rising and current sophomores and juniors. Previous research experience is preferred. A $6,000 stipend is provided to cover expenses for travel and room and board.
International students on F-1 visas interested in DRN experiences must also talk with International Student Engagement (ISE) about CPT authorization before engaging in off-campus research.
As part of the application process, students will be asked to select at least 3 and no more than 5 sites that they would be interested in from the list below.
Deadline: Thursday, October 30, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.
Deadline for Faculty Recommendation letters to be submitted: One week from application deadline.
Review Committee: Student Study and Research
Contact: Peter Szanton, Assistant Dean for Research Development & Director, Office of Sponsored Programs