University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Mayo Clinic & Illinois Alliance

Health Equity Research Experience (HERE)

Explore health equity research at Mayo Clinic

Outstanding undergraduates interested in examining health equity through hands-on research are encouraged to participate in the Health Equity Research Experience at Mayo Clinic. The 10-week summer program invites University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students to become fully immersed in the research and culture of a major medical center with top-notch scientists.

Program highlights

Each year, two Illinois undergraduate applicants will be selected for the program and matched with a faculty mentor at Mayo Clinic.

  • Explore a health equity research career
  • Receive mentorship from Mayo Clinic researchers and physicians 
  • Gain research skills
  • Immerse yourself in the culture of a world-class medical center
  • Meet other students from across the country
 

“This experience will empower me with needed data and insight that I can use to effectively advocate for disenfranchised populations — especially those members of my community who have been denied the care they deserve for far too long.”

Isela Villasenor, 2023 HERE participant

 Read more: For two Illinois students, HERE is the latest stop on their path to advancing health equity

Program details 

Selected students will participate in a program orientation, poster session, and celebration alongside Illinois students selected for the Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. The Health Equity Research Experience is made possible by the Mayo Clinic & Illinois Alliance and the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute. 

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Financial support 

$6,000 will be awarded by the Mayo Clinic & Illinois Alliance to cover living expenses during the 10-week program. 

Important dates

  • Nov. 2025 - Application opens
  • Jan. 2026 - Application deadline
  • Feb. 2026 - Finalist interviews
  • Feb. 28, 2026 - Award notification
  • Late May through early Aug. 2026 - Summer 2026 HERE program

Application process

  1. To apply, students first complete a brief pre-application form at Illinois.
  2. Students then apply directly to Mayo Clinic using the Mayo Clinic online application. You will upload your personal statement and a current transcript or web academic history in this application system. 
  3. Two letters of recommendation are required from a reference at or above the graduate level, such as research mentors, professors, instructors, or advisors.
  4. The top 5 applicants will be invited to interview with the selection committee, and two will be selected. All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision by the end of February.