Atlanta VA Summer Program for Advancing Research Knowledge (SPARK)

Welcome to SPARK

Explore the incredible opportunities we offer in Atlanta VA Research

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Overview

African American technician working on experiment

The Summer Program for Advancing Research Knowledge (SPARK) at the Atlanta VA is a 9-week paid research summer experience exposing students to VA research. 5-8 students will work one-on-one with a VA physician or lab-based researcher, conduct research in a working lab or clinic setting, network with students from various Atlanta universities, and attend lectures from a variety of research specialists in the VA.

What to Expect

African American technician inspecting equipment

The program will run for 9 weeks from Monday, June 1, 2026, through Friday, August 7, 2026, with a mandatory orientation day at the start of the program. You will be working a typical schedule (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM) alongside your team at the Atlanta VA to advance incredible VA research. You will be expected to be on-site for the duration of the program. If you have a conflict that will prevent you from fulfilling this expectation, then you are not eligible to apply for the program.

Eligibility

Be a U.S. Citizen
Must be a student in good academic standing from the following Universities: Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Morehouse School of Medicine
Must be a Medical School Student, a Graduate Student in a STEM Program, and/or a Nursing Graduate Student
Research experience.

Download the application questions.

Important Dates

Application close has been extended!!!

Application Opens: November 24, 2025
Application Closes: January 4, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: January 19, 2026
Program Start Date: June 1, 2026
Program End Date: August 7, 2026

Contact

Dr. Selma Cuya-Smith

Grants Manager

[email protected]

Ashley Scales, Ph.D., MPH

Director of R&D Operations

[email protected]