Research In Action

I am excited to share that the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has received a three-year renewal from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for our Injury Science Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site. This marks the fourth NSF award supporting our program since its inception in 2011- a milestone that reflects both the strength of our training model and the critical need for research in pediatric injury science.

For over a decade, our REU Site has provided undergraduates with a rigorous, 10-week, mentored research experience focused on addressing the leading causes of death and disability among children, teens, and young adults: injury and violence. Our interns have contributed to projects that span biomechanics, data science, rehabilitation engineering, and human factors - research that continues to inform innovations to keep children safe. To date, 89% of our 118 alumni have pursued advanced degrees or careers in STEM, a testament to the transformative impact of this program.

This renewal comes at a pivotal time. Injuries and violence are rising in many communities, and the need for innovative solutions, and a skilled workforce to develop them, has never been greater. Our program continues to evolve to meet this challenge. In this cycle, we are newly expanding into emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), precision medicine, and pediatric engineering, offering interns opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies like predictive modeling and 3D printing for pediatric care. We are also enhancing professional development through partnerships with CHOP’s Office of Academic Training and Outreach Programs (ATOP) and METACHOP, a research affinity group that connects engineers, scientists, and clinicians.

A Note from Our New PI

As I step into the role of Principal Investigator for this renewal, I am honored to continue the legacy of this program and excited to shape its future. My vision is to prepare interns not only to contribute to injury science but also to develop critical research and STEM skills that will thrive in an era of rapid technological change. AI will undoubtedly transform the way we approach research, but it should be seen as a powerful tool to augment human insight, not replace it. Through this program, we aim to equip students with the ability to harness these tools responsibly and creatively, ensuring that innovation in pediatric safety remains deeply rooted in scientific rigor and human-centered design.

I am also thrilled to partner with Dr. Valentina Graci, our new Co-PI and inaugural CHOP-Drexel faculty member in the School of Biomedical Engineering and Applied Sciences. Her leadership strengthens our connection with Drexel’s engineering programs and opens new doors for interdisciplinary collaboration in emerging fields like pediatric engineering. In addition, I am excited to work alongside Chelsea Ward-McIntosh, our new Training Manager, whose passion for student development and program excellence will help us deliver an even more impactful experience for our interns.

Applications for Summer 2026 open December 15

We invite students from all majors, including those from STEM-limited colleges and universities, to apply. Our goal remains the same: to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers to tackle real-world challenges in pediatric injury science.

Learn more about the program and apply at https://injury.research.chop.edu/training-opportunities/research-experiences-undergraduates.