Wyoming Research

Wyoming WWAMI affords students the distinctive opportunity to select both the content and format of their research-focused pursuits, allowing them to explore interests not necessarily covered elsewhere in the curriculum.   Under the guidance of Dr. Nellie Bruns, the Wyoming  WWAMI Research Coordinator, and a faculty mentor, students select a project of interest and conduct their research-based work during the summer between their first and second years of medical school.  

The Independent Investigative Inquiry, known as the Triple I Program, is a core scholarly requirement for medical students at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) and is designed to immerse students in scholarly activities, emphasizing lifelong learning, critical inquiry, and collaboration with faculty mentors. All Wyoming WWAMI students complete a Triple I project as part of their medical education during the summer between their first and second years.

Rural/Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP)

The focus of RUOP is a six-week research project conducted alongside a clinical immersion in a rural or underserved community in Wyoming or the WWAMI region.  Community-focused research such as health education projects, needs assessments, intervention planning, or evaluation of health services. Students gain firsthand experience working in rural healthcare settings with a research component aimed at benefiting underserved populations and present those findings the Wyoming WWAMI research symposium.

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Science of Discovery (SOD)

The focus of a SOD project is on empirical research aimed at generating new findings through original investigation.  This includes basic science, clinical research, health services research, and quality improvement projects.  Students develop proficiency in conducting data-driven research and present their findings at the Wyoming WWAMI research symposium.

Scholarship of Integration (SOI)

The design of a SOI project might be a systematic literature review or historical analysis around an unresolved scientific or medical question.  Examples of projects might include comprehensive reviews of existing scientific knowledge or an analysis of a broad medical topic. Students learn to critically appraise the literature, synthesize findings, produce a final paper, and present those findings the Wyoming WWAMI research symposium.

Global Health Immersion Program (GHIP)

The focus of GHIP is an eight-week experience at a UW-affiliated partner site in a developing country, suitable for students with an interest in global health.  Projects might include community health research, needs assessments, and implementation projects in collaboration with local partners. Students develop and execute a community-oriented project addressing health disparities in a global setting, guided by both local and UW faculty and present their project at the Wyoming WWAMI research symposium.

Key Features of the Wyoming WWAMI Research Opportunities

Faculty Mentorship: All students receive support and guidance from experienced faculty throughout their project.

Flexibility: Students can pursue scholarly topics that match their interests and goals, many of which directly relate to rural and global health.

Integration in Curriculum: Completion of a Triple I project is required for graduation from UWSOM and is embedded in the WWAMI experience for all Wyoming students.

Relevance for Wyoming: For Wyoming WWAMI students, the Triple I program provides opportunities to contribute to rural health initiatives, collaborate on impactful research, and develop skills crucial for future physicians serving Wyoming’s diverse communities. The RUOP option, in particular, allows students to work directly within Wyoming communities and supports the program’s mission of strengthening healthcare in the region.

Contacts and further information are available through UWSOM and Wyoming WWAMI program offices and Dr. Nellie Bruns for prospective and current students interested in learning more or applying for specific project options.

Professor and students in a lab