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Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship

The purpose of the Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship program is to foster undergraduate research opportunities that enrich students’ understanding of the field of medicine and provide them with the experience necessary to stand out during the competitive medical school application process. This program allows students to understand the value of research but to also become involved in research projects that impact their community. Not only does the fellowship support students, but it also helps to support the research faculty with supplies needed to complete research projects.

The summer research fellowship is an opportunity for pre-medical students to engage in a rigorous ten week program, where they are expected to assist a Boise State faculty member that explores ways in which they can improve outcomes in the healthcare community through research. Students are awarded a stipend to participate in a combined employee and educational experience with a faculty mentor for 40 hours each week. The program serves as a much needed preparation tool for students as they begin to apply to medical school. Following their time in a lab with a faculty member, students are expected to present their research at the Idaho Research Conference and the Boise State Undergraduate Research Conference.

About the Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship

The Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship was established in 1998 by Ralph R. Jones, a surgeon in the Boise community for nearly 42 years. He served as president for both Saint Alphonsus and St. Luke’s medical staff and was active on numerous medical committees and boards. Through his work as a surgeon, Jones set aside funds to create a pre-medical endowment that would later be used to enhance the quality of pre-medical academic programs. It was his wish to offer Boise State students the opportunity to achieve their dreams of medical and related research careers.

Sadly, in 2004, Jones passed away at the age of 96. He was survived by his two daughters Judith Combs and Marcia Sands who, to this day, work to share their father’s wishes in continuing the fellowship for pre-medical Boise State students.

2019 Recipients of the Fellowship

The 2019 recipients of the Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship share their experiences and research studies after participating in the fellowship program. 

  • Colton Brodock

    Pre-Medical Health Science Student

    Colton was immersed in a project funded by the National Institutes of Health that had them working to develop antiparasitic drugs or vaccines. He played an instrumental role testing drugs in their response to enzymes with Giardia and other parasitic diseases.

    Learn More About Colton’s Research

    Studied in Ken Cornell's Lab

    Colton was immersed in a project funded by the National Institutes of Health that had them working to develop antiparasitic drugs or vaccines. He played an instrumental role testing drugs in their response to enzymes with Giardia and other parasitic diseases.

    Learn More About Colton’s Research

  • Davidson working in the lab

    Victoria Davidson

    Pre-Medical Health Science Student

    Victoria was immersed in a research project working alongside Kristen Mitchell, associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences, to analyze enzymes that have the ability to effect the cause of Melanoma, a form of skin cancer that is the leader in skin cancer deaths.

    Learn More about Victoria’s Research

    Studied in Kristen Mitchell's Lab

    Victoria was immersed in a research project working alongside Kristen Mitchell, associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences, to analyze enzymes that have the ability to effect the cause of Melanoma, a form of skin cancer that is the leader in skin cancer deaths.

    Learn More about Victoria’s Research

  • Photo of Morgan Hansen working in lab

    Morgan Hansen

    Pre-Medical Health Science Student

    Morgan worked alongside Juliette Tinker, associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences on a project that included creating vaccines for bovines to prevent Salmonella. 

    Learn More about Morgan’s Research 

    Studied in Juliette Tinker's Lab

    Morgan worked alongside Juliette Tinker, associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences on a project that included creating vaccines for bovines to prevent Salmonella. 

    Learn More about Morgan’s Research 

  • Cameron and David Working in lab

    Cameron Skaggs

    Pre-Medical Health Science Student

    Cameron was immersed in a research project assisting Kristen Mitchell, associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences, that focused on chronic liver disease. 

    Learn More about Cameron’s Research

    Studied in Kristen Mitchell's Lab

    Cameron was immersed in a research project assisting Kristen Mitchell, associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences, that focused on chronic liver disease. 

    Learn More about Cameron’s Research

  • portrait of Madison Sullivan

    Madison Sullivan

    Pre-Medical Health Science Student

    Madison was immersed in a project alongside Ken Cornell, biochemist, associate professor, and associate director of the Biomolecular Research Center within the Department of Chemistry at Boise State that involved using Plasma as a tool to potentially heal chronic wounds.

    Learn More about Madison’s Research

    Studied in Ken Cornell's lab

    Madison was immersed in a project alongside Ken Cornell, biochemist, associate professor, and associate director of the Biomolecular Research Center within the Department of Chemistry at Boise State that involved using Plasma as a tool to potentially heal chronic wounds.

    Learn More about Madison’s Research

To create your own scholarship, contact Heather Jauregui, Senior Director of Development, at heatherjauregui@boisestate.edu.