The Department of Anesthesiology encompasses a kaleidoscope of races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and experiences, and its research divisions are no exception. In the fields of research and medicine, our workforce diversity is critical to our future achievements and scientific discoveries, and we are striving to build a pathway of bright and undiscovered talents. The ASSURE program launched its first cohort of students in the summer of 2021 with the hope of being able to better attract, train, mentor, and provide long-term career support for local students who are interested in research.
Pathway programs are by their nature investments in all of our futures. The department aims to increase opportunities from within by investing in research programs for college students that might pique interest in health science careers, graduate school, postdoctoral training, and faculty positions down the road. The department will provide mentorship and guidance via not only faculty leadership but also our trainee-run diversity committee (CREATE – Committee for Real Equity in Anesthesiology Training and Education); by including staff and trainees in the department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion task force; and by seeking funding opportunities that aim to increase breadth and diversity of backgrounds across the research spectrum to support the growth of this crucial pathway program that enriches both the incoming candidate pool and every current member of our research community.
Video Archive
Considering the ASSURE Program? Wondering what life in St. Louis is like over the summer?
We’ve created a library of videos for you that answer these questions and more. Explore the videos below and hear firsthand what our alumni are saying about the program.
WashU Medicine ASSURE: Charlotte Bulenda
Charlotte Bulenda, a former participant in the Accessible Summer Research (ASSURE) Fellowship, shares how the program helped her uncover her passion for nursing and take the next step by applying to nursing school. With no prior experience and a need for guidance, ASSURE offered the support she needed to succeed.
WashU Medicine ASSURE: Devin Macklin-Jackson
Devin Macklin-Jackson, a 2023 alumnus of the Accessible Summer Research (ASSURE) Fellowship, reflects on how the program broadened his horizons. Arriving with an open mind, he discovered a passion for learning and networking, while benefitting greatly from the guidance and support of his mentors.
WashU Medicine ASSURE: Joel Hanns
Joel Hanns, a member of the 2022 cohort of the Accessible Summer Research (ASSURE) Fellowship, reflects on his journey through the program, emphasizing the opportunities it provided to explore both clinical settings and research roles. He also highlights how the flexibility of his mentors enabled him to pursue all of his diverse interests.
WashU Medicine ASSURE: Joel Hanns (part 2)
Joel Hanns, a participant in the Accessible Summer Research (ASSURE) Fellowship in 2022, reflects on how the program significantly influenced his career path and created new opportunities for his professional development. He shares how the Friday lunches with scientists from around the world provided valuable insights into their career journeys and how it was inspiring to see that they were relatable individuals, just like everyone else.
WashU Medicine ASSURE: Sofía Angulo-Lopera
Sofía Angulo-Lopera, a proud alumna of the Accessible Summer Research (ASSURE) Fellowship, reflects on how the program’s supportive culture empowered her to thrive as a Latina scientist and paved the way for her success in pursuing a PhD after graduation.