"The CVI program has made such a positive impact to my professional and academic career. Through this program, I was able to grow as a student, individual and most importantly as a scientist. I now have a great foundation and direction of where I want my career to head to."

"As a student experiencing her first in-person summer program, I was extremely intimidated by the symposium presentation. It was my first time presenting research to a large audience, and coming from a different science background made me hyper-aware of how new I was to the cardiovascular field. However, I sought help from my mentor, who provided recommendations on my presentation and helped me practice how to communicate my findings. I also attended the training workshops provided by the program, where I received feedback on my presentations skills. With these resources, I was able to improve my confidence in public speaking and presenting complex information."

"During the program, I learned that I can manage multiple research tasks at once. I was involved in several projects within my lab, which allowed me to learn at a much faster pace and strengthened my ability to multitask and prioritize. Additionally, I participated in the MAvERICS program, conducting metascience research, which further exposed me to different research fields. I also discovered my passion for cardiovascular research, and this experience reinforced my desire to pursue it in my graduate studies."

"The program prepared me in a variety of ways. Firstly, it allowed me to connect with professionals who shared their career paths and provided valuable recommendations for pursuing a career in biomedical science. Second, the workshops offered by the program helped me prepare for graduate program applications. From the personal statement seminars to panels with admissions boards, I was able to expand my knowledge of the steps needed to become a physician-scientist. Furthermore, I established a lasting connection with the Woo lab and was able to participate in publications that have increased my level of competitiveness during the application cycle. Lastly, I gained mentors who not only supported me throughout the summer but also guided me through the process of applying to graduate schools."

"I would advise current students to learn as much as possible, ask questions, make connections, and take full advantage of the support offered by the program. I recommend maximizing the opportunity the program provides to explore different kinds of research and to appreciate the mentorship, especially when discussing graduate school applications.  

To prospective students, I would strongly recommend applying. The program opened my eyes to the extent of research, gave me lifelong mentors, and prepared me to apply for graduate school. It incorporates research that allows you to learn about the cardiovascular field, while also providing important guidance to navigate a biomedical career."