Research co-op student life at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is anything but a "typical" research co-op or internship experience. CIRP's research co-op students become important participants in their research activities and see projects through from beginning to end as often as possible.

As part of CIRP research co-op student life, they are also encouraged to attend meetings, training, and presentations to become fully immersed in CIRP and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. 

Gabriel Nah participated in the Injury Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program during the summer of  2018 as a rising senior at Lincoln University and was invited by the National Science Foundation to present on his work at its REU Symposium in October 2018. Under the mentorship of Akiva S. Cohen, PhD, Gabriel assisted in his traumatic brain injury (TBI) lab and learned new techniques and how to use new machinery. Here is what he has to say about CIRP research co-op student life: "My time spent at CIRP was not just work. All of the REU interns enjoyed hanging out with each other, and we took numerous trips around Philadelphia and beyond. Working with CIRP’s multidisciplinary team was amazing, and it truly made last summer unforgettable."

Janice Bonsu was pursuing her MPH at the University of Pennsylvania when she joined Allison E. Curry, PhD, MPH's team as a research co-op. The team explored the perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals who provide driving rehabilitation services to adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Here is what she has to say about CIRP research co-op student life: "What is special about working at a place like CIRP is the multidisciplinary approach it takes to combat the risks to children’s health. I sat only a few feet away from bioengineers, behavioral scientists, and epidemiologists. Although CIRP's research methods are distinct, all our united under the same mission. As a young professional, this type of work (and learning) environment has expanded my perception of how research should be conducted."

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