Addiction Research Training Program for Undergraduates in Central Appalachia
The East Tennessee State University (EMSUR) program at East Tennessee State University offers a 12-week summer research program for undergraduate students interested in learning more about addiction-related research.
The Central Appalachian region is a rural area that has some of the highest rates of opioid related mortality in the U.S. EMSUR, funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) is a collaborative, transdisciplinary program that aims to mentor and train the next generation of researchers and practitioners focused on substance use in Central Appalachia. The program has two tracks including population health and basic science (clinical/preclinical).
Applications are now open for the 2026 summer program.
Eligibility: Undergraduate Students
Duration: 12 Weeks
Timeframe: May 18, 2026 – August 7, 2026
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Application Procedure: A total of 10 students will be selected for EMSUR. As each trainee will be matched with a faculty mentor, preference will be given to students whose area of interest aligns with an EMSUR faculty mentor.
Required Application materials
- Cover letter that includes your statement of interest in the substance use research and how it relates to your professional goals (no more than two pages)
- A copy of your CV or resume
Optional
For those without a track record of work in substance use disorder research they may wish to submit one professional letter of recommendation (e.g. supervisor, faculty member) speaking to their potential fit with this opportunity
APPLY NOW!
The application form can be accessed here: https://etsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1WZM53a4P8fCSdo
STUDENT SUPPORT
The EMSUR program is structured to provide students with:
- A $4,500 stipend for the 12-week program
- On-campus housing for the duration of the experience
- Up to $1,400 in research-related expenses, which may be used for laboratory supplies, conference registration and travel, and/or publication costs.
Beyond laboratory research, EMSUR will incorporate weekly faculty-led online and in-person learning modules focused on core concepts of substance use disorder research, lived experience dialogues and opportunities for students to present their work at the end of the program. In addition, students will have an opportunity to visit recovery clinics, addiction treatment centers, experience lived experience dialogues and opportunities for students to present their work at the end of the program.
MENTORS:
Brooke Schmeichel, PhD
Research Interests: Our lab studies the neurobiology of addiction and withdrawal using preclinical rodent models of drug dependence. We combine behavioral assays, neuropharmacology, chemogenetics, and radio-telemetric sleep monitoring to investigate the neural circuits underlying polysubstance use. Our goal is to better understand the motivational drivers of addiction and identify therapeutic targets that reduce craving and relapse risk.
EMSUR Track: Preclinical Basic Science
Manik Ahuja, PhD
Research Interests: Adverse childhood experiences, risk factors and consequences to early initiation substance use, addictive behaviors (e.g. gambling, illicit drug use), polysubstance use, substance/addiction among U.S. Military Veterans, substance use and suicidal behaviors, and intergenerational/sibling substance use. We focus on the epidemiology of substance use to better understand risk and protective factors that lead to targeted interventions at the sub-population level.
EMSUR Track: Population Health