Saudi Medical Students Enjoy UK Research Experience

Saudi students relax on campus

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 27, 2017) For the fourth year, the University of Kentucky Summer Program for International Research Internship and Training (SPIRIT) has attracted medical students from Alfaisal University to the university's medical research labs.

This year 17 students joined the program, a collaborative initiative that includes the Office of Undergraduate Research, UK College of Medicine Biomedical Education, UK International Student and Scholar Services, UK Center for Academic Resources and Enrichment Services and the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. The research experience began June 26 and will end Aug. 4.

The goal of the program is to explore and strengthen the international student research pipeline. Campus leaders hope the program explores the possibilities of expanding undergraduate research to include international students in UK campus programs.

In order for the Alfaisal University students to enjoy a well-rounded experience in Kentucky, the students received a campus orientation, research lab training and a schedule of optional summer activities provided by Bessie Guerrant, associate director of the UK Office of Undergraduate Research.