VHA Summer Program Brings Students from Puerto Rico, Baltimore

Under the Veterans Health Administration Summer Program, a group of students from Baltimore and Puerto Rico embarked on an inspiring journey through the halls of NIH.

The visit—organized by Dr. Ingrid Bonilla-Mercado and Dr. Beth Hogan from the neurology department at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, along with Patricia Sauceda Kramer and staff from NIH’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)—offered these budding researchers an immersive experience into the world of medical innovation.  

The day began with an inspiring keynote by Dr. Roland Owens, acting principal deputy director in the Office of Intramural Research, who set an uplifting and motivational tone. From there, the students were ushered into Dr. Lawrence Latour’s lab in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. There, they explored the cutting-edge uses of MRI technology in diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). This session allowed the students to bridge their academic knowledge with real-world applications, offering a tangible glimpse into the daily workings of medical research. 

Later that afternoon, the cohort engaged with Dr. Mario Penzo and Dr. Veronica Alvarez from the National Institute of Mental Health, and Dr. Maio Nunziata and Dr. Meghan Bohn from Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. These stimulating discussions provided a deep dive into many areas of neurological research. 

Each encounter was more than an academic exchange; it was a mentorship moment, filled with personal stories, guidance and inspiration. The researchers shared their personal journeys, challenges and triumphs, painting a vivid picture of the diverse career paths within biomedical research. These personal stories, filled with resilience and passion, deeply connected with the students. 

Reflecting on the day, Chris Jackson of EDI emphasize8d the broader goals of the visit. “We wanted to show these aspiring scientists the cutting-edge research at NIH. Our goal was for them to envision themselves as future contributors to medical science and to realize the many career opportunities available to them.” 

The cohorts plan to return next July, and the EDI team looks forward to creating the next experience for them.