2020-2021

Leadership
Ashley Huynh Student Director Class: 2021 Major: Psychobiology	Gabrielle Le Student Director Class: 2021 Major: Human Biology& Society	Connie Lee Research Ambassador Class: 2022 Major: Psychobiology	Vaidehi Ramanarayanan Research Ambassador Class: 2021 Major: Neuroscience	Brandon Ton Research Ambassador Class: 2022 Major: Biochemistry
Mayilone Sathialingam Webmaster Class: 2021 Major: Bioengineering	Eli Aminpour Social Chair Class: 2020 Major: Psychobiology	Sherry Dorosk Social Chair Class: 2021 Major: Environmental Science	Muskaan Mehra Social Media Chair Class: 2021 Major: Neuroscience	Alyssa Parry Treasurer/Office Manager Class: 2021 Major: Psychobiology
Joshua Hughes Recruitment Chair Class: 2021 Major: Environmental Science	Alec Simoni Recruitment Chair Class: 2022 Major: Psychobiology	Angela Wang Recruitment Chair Class: 2021 Major: Neuroscience	Fiza Baloch Recruitment Committee Class: 2021 Major: Human Biology& Society	Varshni Nandakumar Recruitment Committee Class: 2021 Major: Bioengineering
Rebecca Phelan Recruitment Committee Class: 2022 Major: Physiological Science	Sandhya Rajkumar Recruitment Committee Class: 2021 Major: Computational & Systems Biology
Members
Catherine Beaudin Class: 2022 Major: MIMG	Tiffany Chen Class: 2023 Major: MCDB	Hussain Chharawalla Class: 2022 Major: Physiological Science	Christen Gerhart Class: 2022 Major: Physiological Science	Sohini Halder Class: 2021 Major: Human Biology& Society
Hyejin Hong Class: 2021 Major: Computational & Systems Biology	Erin Hu Class: 2023 Major: Bioengineering	Megan Kirschner Class: 2022 Major: Physiological Science	Amy Kumar Class: 2021 Major: Human Biology& Society; Economics	Kelsey Kuwahara Class: 2022 Major: Cognitive Science
Jordan Lo Class: 2022 Major: Human Biology& Society	Alice Ma Class: 2023 Major: MCDB	Mario Martinez Class: 2021 Major: Human Biology& Society; Physiological Sciences	Jewel Ng Class: 2022 Major: Biochemistry	Anne Nguyen Class: 2021 Major: Biochemistry
Hannah Pham Class: 2022 Major: Human Biology& Society	Ellery Schlingmann Class: 2022 Major: MCDB	Omar Selim Class: 2023 Major: MCDB	Clara Song Class: 2023 Major: Human Biology& Society	Bhavana Sreepad Class: 2021 Major: Psychobiology
Matthew Tran Class: 2022 Major: Physiological Science	Hailey Valles Class: 2022 Major: Biology	Eden Wetzel Class: 2022 Major: Neuroscience	Curtis Wong Class: 2021 Major: Neuroscience; Asian American Studies

Current Studies

COVID-19 Studies

• RAP students are currently remotely assisting with multiple ongoing COVID-19 studies, including roles like data entry, management, and analysis.

Serum Collection in Healthy AB Donors [IRB:18-000099]

• PI: Antoni Ribas M.D.,Ph.D.
• Study Liaisons: Serena Burgos, Michelle Tenggara
  
• 
  
• Description:
• The purpose of this protocol is to collect serum from healthy donors with AB blood type to aid in the expansion of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in vitro in the Ribas laboratory at UCLA. The ability to expand TILs in vitro from resected material has been demonstrated to require a high-quality source of human AB serum, of which commercially available products have been demonstrated to be ineffective.
  
• 
  
• RAP Responsibilities:
• Associates participate in the consent process including observation of blood draw, assist with scheduling for study procedures and organization of various regulatory documents, and transport blood samples
  

An Exploratory Study of Nivolumab with or without Ipilimumab in Advanced Metastatic Cancer [IRB:18-001539]

• PI: Alexandra Drakaki M.D.,Ph.D.
• Study Liaisons: Serena Burgos, Michelle Tenggara
• 
  
• Description:
• This is an open-label, exploratory study to evaluate nivolumab with or without ipilimumab based on the percentage of CD8 cells in a patient's tumor. This study is open to any type of solid tumor. The primary objective is to assess the proportion of participants whose tumor change from CD8 low to CD8 high, based on the percentage of CD8 cells in the tumor.
  
• 
  
• RAP Responsibilities:
• Associates participate in the consent process, collect research information, assist with compilation of study charts, assist with data entry, transport and shipping of biospecimens and investigational drugs.
• 
  

Monocyte E-cigarette Study[IRB:18-001147]

• PI: Holly Middlekauff M.D.
  
• Study Liaison: Joyce Ma
• 
  
• Description:
• The study is a randomized, controlled study. The goal of the study is to understand the health effects of electronic e- cigarettes compared to tobacco cigarettes or not smoking at all. Specifically, the  study attempts to determine whether using an e-cigarette (for chronic e-cigarette users and non-users) for approximately 30 minutes or smoking a tobacco cigarette for chronic tobacco cigarette smokers will change the blood level of inflammatory markers in the subject's blood.
  
• 
  
• RAP Responsibilities:
• Associates will assist in data acquisition, oversee procedure protocol, and perform baseline assessments.
  

Sleep Health Aging Research for Depression [IRB:16-000583]

• PI: Michael Irwin M.D.
  
• Study Liaison: Michelle Tenggara, Angela Wang , and Jordan Lo
  
• 
  
• Description:
• Late-life depression is a significant public health concern, and effective interventions for prevention and treatment are needed. Insomnia and inflammation are modifiable targets for depression prevention, and this study is significant in using an experimental approach (i.e., inflammatory challenge) to probe acute inflammatory and depression responses as a function of insomnia, which will inform identification of molecular targets for pharmacologic interventions, and improvement of insomnia treatments to prevent depression in older adults.
  
• 
  
• RAP Responsibilities:
• Associates will assist during patients screening and assessment interviews as well as perform tests during experimental appointment.  

ICVD Diagnosis by PhekB [IRB: 18-001167]

• PI: Jessica Wang M.D.,Ph.D.
• Study Liaison: Hyejin Hong
  
• 
  
• Description:
• Familial Hypercholerolemia (FH) is a commonly inherited cardiovascular disease that is clinically underdiagnosed. This study aims to develop an algorithm to identify individuals who are at high risk for FH. This is done by filtering through various key factors such as LDL levels, family history, and statin use. We hope to refine the algorithm in order to increase its scope of diagnosis.
  
• 
  
• RAP Responsibilities:
• Associates will be responsible for querying EMRs to further validate the FH algorithm and identify individuals who may benefit from early intervention.
  

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [IRB: 12-001780]

• PI: Daniel Dumesic M.D.
  
• Study Liaison: Sohini Halder, Aditya Mamtora
• 
  
• Description:
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine system disorder caused by hormone imbalance. Women with PCOS have enlarged ovaries filled with small collections of fluid. Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, and infertility, and associated long-term complications are Type II diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. The purpose of this research study is to identify changes that take place in the body that result in PCOS by collecting specimen samples and medical information from women with or without PCOS. As part of this study, all patients will undergo a physical exam, blood tests, diagnostic procedures and surveys. Women with PCOS will be placed in randomized groups to receive the drug flutamide or a placebo in 6 - 28 day cycles until all post treatment assessments are completed.
  
• 
  
• RAP Responsibilities:
• Associates aid in patient transport, data collection and logistical preparation as needed.
  

Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

• PI: Lauren Wisk Ph.D.
• Study Liaisons: Ashley Huynh, Connie Lee
• 
  
• Description:
• Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are at significant risk for interruptions in health care, poor self-care, and negative diabetes-related health outcomes as they assume independent disease management during the transition to adult-focused care. The goal of this project is to understand how AYA with T1D navigate the health care system during transition and to develop, implement, and evaluate a novel intervention designed to motivate preparation for transition among AYA with T1D. This research will provide preliminary evidence to inform a multi-site, longitudinal intervention to improve transition preparation, and ultimately positively impact health outcomes for AYA with T1D.
• 
  
• RAP Responsibilities:
• Students screen records for potential subjects, conduct the informed consent process for each patient, and help administer surveys to each participant. Students also use statistical programs to analyze qualitative survey data, create literature reviews of the current behavioral health research, and interview patients during focus groups to determine factors impacting adolescent medication adherence.

The Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Consortium

• PI: Martin Caderias M.D.; Jessica Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
  
• Study Liaison: Mario Martinez, Terry Nguyen, Eman Burney
  
• 
  
• Description:
• The DCM Consortium is a national registry aiming to identify a genetic cause of dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM) by gathering DNA samples and survey information from 2000 families affected by idiopathic DCM in the US.
  
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• RAP Responsibilities:
• Students screen records for potential subjects, conduct the informed consent process for each patient, and help administer surveys to each participant. Furthermore, associates may also administer a randomized intervention to each participant, designed to aid and direct family communication on participation of at-risk family members in clinical screening and appropriate followup surveillance for DCM. 

The Myocardial Infarction Biomarkers Project [IRB: 16-002018]

• PI: Linda Cai M.D., Ph.D.; Rushi Parikh M.D.
• Study Liaison: Diana Trujilo
• 
  
• Description:
• The MI Biomarker Project is being performed in order to better understand myocardial infarction (MI also known as a heart attack) by better characterizing a biological marker of interest, netrin-1-DCC, or netrin-1. Netrin-1 has been identified as a biomarker that improves cardiac function in mice. By collecting blood samples from patients that have recently had a heart attack, we are trying to better characterize the relationship between pathways of netrin-1 signaling and various characteristics of heart attacks in patients, including clinical information about cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. There is also a genetic component to the study, with the genetic information being collected through blood samples and studied in order to see any connections to heart attacks.
  
• 
  
• RAP Responsibilities:
• Research associates also interview patients for medical history of the myocardial infarction, as well as information regarding past incidences within their family as well. Associates also consent patients after they have a heart attack to join study and donate samples of blood.

Pediatric Immunodeficiency Study [IRB:11-002303]

• PI: Dr.Donald Kohn
  
• Study Liaisons: Xena Martinez,Bryanna Reinhardt
  
• 
  
• Description:
• The major focus of the research is the development and implementation of gene therapy using hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). New approaches to gene therapy for ADA-deficient SCID are emphasized, such as the use of lentiviral and foamy viral vectors for ex vivo gene transfer to HSC, direct in vivo ADA gene delivery and ADA gene correction using site-specific endonucleases to augment homologous recombination. Investigators are determining whether using a lentiviral vector (based on HIV-1) will be more effective and safer at gene transfer to HSC compared to previous gene transfer vectors based on murine (mouse) retroviruses for ADA-deficient SCID. The study entails the treatment of infants and children diagnosed with ADA-deficient SCID, in which the EFS-ADA lentiviral vector with the human ADA cDNA is used to transduce autologous CD34+ cells from the bone marrow of the subjects. Following the re-infusion of the gene-modified cells, investigators look to determine whether the cells can engraft and produce mature cells that contain and express the corrected ADA gene in the absence of PEG-ADA enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Efficacy studies are then conducted to evaluate the level of immune reconstitution in the first year and beyond.

The Inherited Cardiovascular Disease Registry (ICDR) [IRB:13-001772]

• PI: Jessica Wang, MD, PhD
• Study Liaisons: Mario Martinez, Terry Nguyen
  
• 
  
• Description:
• The ICDR aims to understand genetic factors influencing heart- related disease progression within affected families. After whole exome sequencing or genetic tests, resulting data is statistically analyzed to characterize how genomic factors influence disease manifestation. Collected samples may also be used to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms within families or disease conditions to uncover treatment options in the future. 

• RAP Responsibilities:
• RAP students screen medical records and recruit patients suitable for participation in the study. Thereafter, they gather consent for participation from patients of the UCLA Adult Congenital Cardiology Clinic as well as the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) at Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Students also assist patients to the pathology lab for blood collection and transport the samples for immediate processing. Furthermore, they work alongside Dr. Wang and a team of research specialists and genetic counselors to design and construct a comprehensive virtual database for the ICDR.
  

Past Studies

Prospective Assessment of Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) Supression in Cardiomyopathy (PAPS): A Pilot Study [IRB:18-001006]

• PI: Marmar Vaseghi M.D.,Ph.D.
• Study Liaisons: Gabrielle Le, Mayilone Sathialingam
  
• This study intended to assess how premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) affect heart function and which treatment strategy, radio frequency ablation or antiarrhythmic drugs, was more effective at eliminating PVCs and possibly improving heart function. Part I of this study compared the two standard of care therapies, and part II estimated the prevalence of cardiomyopathy and frequent PVCs in the overall population by evaluating ECG holter monitors.

The Caregiver Sleep (CARES) Study [IRB:16-001256]

• PI: Michael Irwin M.D.
  
• Study Liaison: Michelle Tenggara, Dean Renna
  
• This study examined the ability of Mindfulness Meditation versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia to reduce caregiver distress, improve sleep, and promote changes in overall health in caregivers age 50 and above. RAP students performed baseline patient assessments and eligibility interviews.

The Role of Vitamin C in Pediatric Critical Care [IRB:17-00128]

• PI:Michelle Korn M.D.
• Study Liaison: Victoria Ford, Ryan McLaughlin, Ankita Nair
  
• As pediatric patients present a unique case due to their undergoing physical and neurological growth and development, this study aimed to better understand the role of Vitamin C in critically ill pediatric patients through measurement of Vitamin C levels throughout the child’s hospital stay. RAP students conducted informed consent process for patients, transported blood samples, and performed data collection and analysis.

The Teen Resilience Project (TRP) [IRB:16-001848]

• PI: Katie Kuhlman, PhD
• Study Liaison: Afrida Sara
• The Teen Resilience Project aimed to characterize the impact that acute stress has on immunological mechanisms in teenagers aged 12-15.  A biological response to the stress test can indicate disregulation of the immune system, which may correlate to a reduced response to stress throughout life.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Atherosclerosis [IRB: 13-001285, 15-000786]

• PI: Maureen McMahon, M.D.
• Study Liaison: Harrison Lam
• Since the underlying mechanism for the accelerated atherosclerotic risk for SLE patients is not well understood, this study aimed to identify lipid and protein biomarkers to predict the risk of ATH in SLE patients by tracking the changes in arterial wall thickness and plaque buildup. 

BrainMapD - Threat and Reward Neurocircuitry  

• PI:Michelle Craske Ph.D.
  
• Study Liaison: Sienna Ringgenberg
  
• This study examined the relationship between threat- and reward-related neural circuitry and symptom dimensions of anxiety and depression during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The study aimed to identify new strategies for psychiatric classification based on observable dimensions and their corresponding neural circuitry.

Undiagnosed Disease Network 

• PI:Katrin Dipple M.D., Ph.D; Stanley Nelson M.D.; Christina Palmer Ph.D.; Eric Viliain M.D., Ph.D.
• Study Liaisons: Ryan McLaughlin, Elizabeth Tran 
• The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) worked to diagnose patients that previously could not be diagnosed by other physicians and medical centers. The UDN primarily conducted genetic testing in order to find mutations or genetic abnormalities in order to explain the patients' conditions. 

ADAPTABLE Trial 

• PI:Douglas Bell, M.D., PhD.
• Study Liaisons: Jack Buckanavage, Shirley Wong
• ADAPTABLE (Aspirin Dosing: A Patient-centric Trial Assessing Benefits and Long-Term Effectiveness) was a three-year pragmatic clinical trial compared the effectiveness of two different daily doses of aspirin which were widely used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in individuals living with heart disease.

POMA Phase 1 Interaction Study 

• PI:Keith Heinzerling M.D.
• Study Liaisons: Jack Buckanavage, Sienna Ringgenberg
• The study design was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple ascending-dose study with aims to determine the safety and tolerability of POMA, whether co-administration of POMA and methamphetamine (MA) alters the pharmacokinetics of MA and/or POMA, and whether treatment with POMA alters MA self-administration in a model of MA relapse.

UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT

• PI: Christopher Giza, MD
• Study Liaison: Adrian Jones
• The UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT program utilized clinical care, education, and research to characterize the true nature of clinical and physiological recovery after sport-related concussions (SRC). CTSI research associates are trained to assist the BrainSPORT multidisciplinary team with obtaining baseline concussion information from collegiate athletes and children. 

Neural, Inflammatory, and Genomic Mechanisms Underlying Risk for Depression in Adolescence

• PI: George M. Slavich, PhD
• Study Liaison: Mimi Lu
This was the first integrative, multi-level fMRI study of both high (maternal history of depression) and low (no maternal history of depression) risk female adolescents and their responses to social stressors at the psychological, neural, physiological, molecular, and genomic level. RAP students participate in subject recruitment, observation of the consenting process, and guidance of subjects through experimental procedures. 

Cord Umbilical Blood Study (CUB)

• PI: Kara Calkins, MD
• Study Liaison: Stevyndennis Onggo
The CUB research study assessed biomarkers in cord blood that may be indicators for hepatic issues such as Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). By analyzing the micro-RNA in the cord blood and studying the metabolomics of the individual, this study aimed to find associations to higher susceptibility to liver disease.  CTSI-RAP students contribute by screening pregnant mothers for gestational age, among other factors, and consented qualifying patients before the baby was born.

PREDICTS - QRISK3 and Lupus and Depression [IRB:13-001285; 15-000786]

• PI: Maureen McMahon M.D.
  
• Study Liaisons: Manpreet Singh, Sonia Lele 

Asthma Phenotypes Assessment [IRB:18-002015]

• PI: Mindy Ross M.D., M.A.S, M.B.A
  
• Study Liaison: Hyejin Hong 

Visual Aid - PrEP in HIV High Risk Youth 

• PI: Joan Christodoulou, Ph.D., M.Phil.
• Study Liaison: Disha Nangia 

USIDNET Registry for Immune Disorders [IRB:17-001393; 16-001950]

• PI: Manish Butte M.D.,Ph.D.

RUSH Project

• PI: Elizabeth Turner M.D.; Igor Barjaktarevic M.D.
• This study assessed whether systematic inclusion of a bedside ultrasound protocol early in the assessment of patients in shock (RUSH-Rapid Ultrasound in Shock) impacts clinically relevant outcomes. The RUSH evaluation included a focused and rapid assessment of cardiac function, intravascular volume status, large vessel pathology (aortic dissection, deep vein clots), and significant lung pathologies (effusion and pneumothorax).

Copper Touch

• PI: Daniel Uslan M.D.
• The Copper Touch project aimed to assess the health benefits and costs of coating high touch surfaces within selected ICU rooms with copper-infused materials. Over a period of three years, the project compared the incidence of Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) using data collected by the Infections Prevention teams. 

Actigraphy

• PI: Biren Kamdar M.D.
• Actigraphy built upon a previous Intensive Care Unit (ICU) sleep quality improvement (QI) project by performing a multi-ICU intervention effort aimed at promoting nighttime rest and daytime activity in non-surgical critically ill adult patients. This observational pilot study assessed the feasibility of using the Philips Respironics Actiwatch 2 (AW-2) to measure patient rest and motion for ≥24 hours in non-surgical critically ill adult patients.

Orthostasis

• PI: Jeremy Moore M.D., M.P.H; Benjamin Hendrickson M.D.
• This project measured the orthostatic responses of asymptomatic children over a broad age range using common, easily obtainable methods that are available in the ambulatory setting. The data was used to create an age-based reference for normal ranges of orthostatic vitals and to identify characteristics that may influence those responses, enabling better care for pediatric patients with abnormal orthostatic responses or symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. 

Carotid-corrected Flow Time

• PI: Igor Barjaktarevic M.D.
• Ultrasound assessment of systolic corrected flow-time in carotid arteries (ccFT) has been suggested as, potentially, an easy, non-invasive method to assess fluid resuscitation. This study assessed the value of ultrasonographic evaluation of the carotid artery in patients with shock as a tool to predict fluid responsiveness and to evaluate whether or not change in ccFT as a test can predict IV fluid responsiveness in shock states.

2021 Abstracts - Featured at the virtual 2021 Undergraduate Research Day at UCLA:

• Assessing the Reproductive Life History of Women Through Alzheimers Related Inflammation
  
• Effect of Tai Chi on Quality of Life in Older Adults with Major Depression
  
• Identifying Variation in Community-Level COVID-19 Case Counts and Health Determinants to Promote Safer Behaviors Amidst the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Reopening
  
• Impacts of COVID-19 On Chronic Disease Management - A Mixed Methods Study
  
• Operational Changes in the UCLA-Westwood Clinical Translational Research Center during the COVID-19 Pandemic.pdf
  
• Reported Impact of COVID-19 on Chronic Mental Health Condition Management
  
• The Use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Clinical and Translational Research Centers (CTRCs)
  

2020 Abstracts - Virtual presentations featured at the 2020 Virtual Undergraduate Research Day at UCLA (due to the COVID-19 pandemic, abstracts are shared in lieu of poster presentations):

• When Are 3 ECG-Leads Better Than 12? Streamlining and Optimizing ECG Assessment in Sudden Death Prediction
• A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Trial (NCT03785964) of Nirogacestat Versus Placebo In Adult Patients With Progressing Desmoid Tumors/Aggressive Fibromatosis (DT/AF)
• Long-term Outcomes after Gene Therapy for Adenosine Deaminase-deficient Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (ADA-SCID)
• Differences in Inflammatory Response to Endotoxin in Older Adults by Sex
• Assessing the Effect of Cumulative Hydroxychloroquine Dose on Lifetime Disease Damage vs Risk of Retinal Toxicity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
• UCLA CTSI Research Associates Program: Promoting Clinical Research and Cultivating the Next Generation of Medical Scientists

2019 Posters - Featured at the 2019 Undergraduate Research Day at UCLA:

• CTSI RAP - program poster
• Investigation of the Differential Effects of Inflammation and Depression Between Males and Females
• Assessing the Validity of QRISK3 at Predicting Cardiovascular Events in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Patients
• The Role of Vitamin C in Pediatric Critical Care

2018 Posters - Featured at the 2018 Undergraduate Research Day at UCLA:

• CTSI RAP - program poster
• Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Candidate Gene in an Ashkenazi Jewish Family with Tetralogy of Fallot
• Lupus Low Disease Activity State: Predicting Organ Damage Accrual and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2017 Posters - Featured at the 2017 Undergraduate Research Day at UCLA:

• CTSI RAP Poster: Building Future Leaders in Clinical Research
• The Copper Touch Project: Implementing Antimicrobial Surfaces to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections

2016 Posters - Featured at the 2016 Undergraduate Research Day at UCLA:

• CTSI RAP Poster (includes summaries on multiple projects)

Fall 2021 Recruitment Cycle

• We will be receiving applications for the 2021-2022 recruitment cycle in the Fall. Please check our social media for more information and updates.

Q: What types of students are you looking for?

A: We encourage students of all backgrounds and experience interested in clinical research and medicine to apply.  We review and evaluate all applications and interviews very carefully to determine those students best suited to participate in the program and benefit from its mission and goals.  

Q: What if I do not have an established UCLA GPA since I am a first quarter freshman? 

A: If you do not have an established UCLA GPA, then you will not be able to apply. This year, we are only accepting applications from 2nd and 3rd year students. Transfer students may use their transfer GPA.

Q: What if I am in my final year at UCLA and will be graduating in June 2021? 

A: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept freshmen and senior students at this time. Since most students remain in the program past the one-year commitment to continue their research involvement, only 2nd and 3rd years students will be eligible to apply.

Q: How has the program changed to due the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Currently, the Volunteer Office has paused all in-person volunteering, and our in-person clinical studies are on hold. However, many of our studies have transitioned to remote volunteering, allowing students to continue their research from home. Our leadership and advisors are working on securing more non-clinical research studies for our members to assist with. This is an ever-changing and updating process, and we are actively communicating with UCLA Health to monitor any updates.

Q: What if I am not in the LA area due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: CTSI-RAP is an inclusive organization that is understanding of the unprecedented situation the world is in, and how it has affected our daily and long-term living situations. We encourage all prospective students to apply to our program, regardless of their current living situation and location.

Q: What is the admission process like? Is the application process holistic?

A: The admission process involves one application and two stages of interviews. The application pool will be refined after each stage, and those that pass the second interview will be extended admission into CTSI-RAP. Our application process is holistic and takes into account all parts of your student profile and application. We encourage anyone interested in the organization to apply.

Q: Will my research qualify for SRP 99/199 credit?

A: Many of our students partake in SRP 99/199 accredited research. Depending on the study you are assigned to upon admission and the policy of its Principal Investigator, you may be permitted to pursue SRP 99/199 credit.

Q: What benefits will I gain from the program?

A: CTSI-RAP offers it students may benefits ranging from: clinical research experience, hospital volunteer hours, mentorship and career guidance, patient contact, shadowing/rounding with medical teams, observing procedures, leadership opportunities, interaction with healthcare specialists, professional networking, and abstracts/posters/publications.

Q: What if I am not pursuing a pre-med major? 

A: You do not have to be pursuing a pre-med major to apply. All majors are welcome. We would expect that one of your career goals is in medicine, health care, or research to reach your full potential in the program. 

Q: Is there any special coursework required as prerequisites? 

A: No, there is no required coursework, although an introductory biology or physiology class taken either in high school or at UCLA would be beneficial.

Q: What does the one-year commitment require?

A: The one-year commitment requires participatory hours throughout the academic year and does require some summer hours.  Summer hours are to be determined by leadership and our study portfolio at that time. If a student is unable to commit to summer hours, there may be other alternatives to arrange for participatory hours.  

Q: Which days of the week and what times do I need to be available to commit to the program? 

A: A total of 9 hours per week is required for active participation in the program which consists of a 1-hour weekly meeting and 8 hours of research.  The weekly 1-hour meeting is typically scheduled on a weekday early evening. Most research is conducted Monday through Friday 7am-7pm. However, there are opportunities for research activities outside these hours in the evenings and/or on weekends. If you are unable to commit to these requirements, you will unfortunately be unable to fulfill the needs of our investigators who depend upon us for assistance with their studies. 

Q: I have other activities that I am involved with at UCLA and/or I have to work to earn money for my education, will there be times that this will conflict with my those schedules? 

A: We would hope that you will be able to balance your academic, extracurricular, and work commitments with those of RAP.  You might choose to be on studies that do not conflict with those other schedules.  However, prior to applying, please consider whether you will be able to balance the strict commitments of this program with your other commitments. Only you will be able to make that determination. We are very supportive of your main academic purpose at UCLA and want to ensure that you continue to maintain high academic excellence.   

Q: Will there be opportunities for academic credit and/or a stipend?

A: At this time, we are unable to provide academic credit and/or a stipend through RAP.  We continue to re-visit this each year with respect to current Health System student volunteer policies. 

Q: What details should I provide in my resume? 

A: The resume should include any work or volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, and special skills/talents. Tips and pointers for your resume may be found on the UCLA Career Center website at https://www.career.ucla.edu. 

Q: How important is prior work and/or volunteer experience in a research or medical setting? 

A: Prior work and/or volunteer experience in a research or medical setting is not required, but including such activities in your application and/or resume would be viewed favorably.

Q: What if I did not have prior opportunities to participate in activities outside of school due to family, work, health, or other obligations?

A: There is a section in the application to include this additional relevant information at the end.    

Q: Will you be verifying the information in my application? 

A: No, we will not be verifying the information in your application prior to the interview process, however, we may choose to verify relevant information including references for final candidates. In order to volunteer in the UCLA Health System, all final candidates will undergo volunteer screening and orientation requirements. We strongly advise that you be completely honest in all your responses prior to submission and during the interview and final evaluation process. 

Q: What is the average GPA of students in the program? 

A: We are encouraging all students with a GPA of 3.0 or above to apply.

Q: How competitive is the program? 

A: The program is highly competitive every year. RAP students have routinely been very satisfied with their experience and have encouraged fellow students to apply.

Q: When will interviews and final selection take place? 

A: Interviews will be conducted late October to early November and final selection will take place by late November.

Q: How can I prepare for my interview?

A: Tips and pointers for your interview as well mock interviews may be found on the UCLA Career Center website at https://www.career.ucla.edu.

Q: How many students will be accepted in Fall 2020? 

A: We expect that 10-15 new students will be offered participation in the program.

Q: What if I am not accepted? 

A: If you are not accepted into the program this year, we encourage you to seek out other research opportunities on campus including those offered through the Undergraduate Research Center – Sciences Program. Those opportunities may be accessed at http://sciences.ugresearch.ucla.edu  .  If you are still interested in RAP, please consider re-applying next year if you remain eligible for the program.

Q: Will I be notified if I am not accepted? 

A: Yes, all applicants will be notified of their application status at the end of each round.  If you do not hear from us, we encourage you to please follow up and e-mail: ctsi.rap.recruitment@gmail.com

Q: If I am one of the accepted students, when will I start in the program? 

A: Students will participate in the volunteer screening and orientation process during the months of December and January. 

Q: What are the policies of the program?

A: The policies of the program are articulated in our CTSI-RAP Student Manual and in the CTSI Human Resources and Office of Volunteer Services policies.  

Q: What if I need assistance with completing the application and/or have additional questions not answered here?

A: Please contact the CTSI-RAP Recruitment Committee at ctsi.rap.recruitment@gmail.com.

The CTSI Research Associates Program (CTSI-RAP) seeks to work with clinical research teams by providing undergraduate UCLA students with the opportunity to gain exposure to medicine and clinical research in an academic medical center. RAP students are able to assist teams with subject visits, data collection/management/analysis, and research administration. Each year, CTSI RAP sends campus communications when it is ready to select studies.

There are typically 25-30 students in the program who work with clinical research teams in a variety of therapeutic areas. Students have UCLA Health System volunteer status and have completed CITI and HIPAA training. A student Study Liaison is assigned to each project and is the main contact person with investigators and their teams. Further information about the program and its mission may be found at this CTSI link under CTSI Research Associates. If you are interested in having students in this program work with you, please contact Dr. Laurie Shaker-Irwin, Clinical Research Advisor to the CTSI-RAP students, at LShakerIrwin@mednet.ucla.edu or 310-794-7504.

Study Application: RAP Application

For student inquiries, please contact ctsi.rap.recruitment@gmail.com. If you are a PI or study staff member, please contact Dr. Shaker-Irwin. 

Dr. Laurie Shaker-Irwin
Clinical Research Advisor
Clinical and Translational Science Institute
LShakerIrwin@mednet.ucla.edu

Dr. Noah Federman
RAP Medical Director
Clinical and Translational Science Institute
NFederman@mednet.ucla.edu

Colleen Divalerio
RAP Administrator
Clinical and Translational Science Institute
cdivalerio@mednet.ucla.edu