Research begins with a better question.
High school students investigate how healthcare works, why gaps persist, and how evidence can improve care—with one-on-one guidance from scholars, professionals, and experienced student fellows.
Mentorship ProgramResearch · Mentorship · Public Health
Program wire
Applications openApply for the 2026–27 cohort by September 19.
Upcoming eventMeet the program virtually on August 29.
Across eight statesMore than 500 students have been supported.
The program
A scholarly community built for emerging researchers.
HSMP is a student-led initiative at George Mason University that expands access to meaningful healthcare research and mentorship.
Since 2020, students have learned how health systems work, how strong studies are designed, and how evidence can improve patient care.
Seminars, journal clubs, applied assignments, and individual mentorship lead toward an original project presented at the HSMP Colloquium.
HSMP at a glance
Access, by design.
Areas of study
Four foundations.
One research practice.
Students learn to move from a consequential question to a defensible method, a careful analysis, and a clear account of why the work matters.
01Curriculum desk
Health systems
See how care is organized, financed, and delivered—and connect policy, quality, safety, access, and health equity.
Explore foundation02Curriculum desk
Research methods
Build fluency in literature evaluation, study design, biostatistics, epidemiology, and evidence-based reasoning.
Explore foundation03Curriculum desk
People & populations
Explore how disability, aging, community violence, and other public health challenges shape patient experience.
Explore foundation04Curriculum desk
Dignity & leadership
Practice ethical decision-making, intellectual humility, teamwork, communication, and service to communities.
Explore foundationFour foundations work together as one research practice.View the full curriculum
29AUG
Upcoming · Virtual
See the research. Meet the program.
4:00–7:00 PMStudent Colloquium
7:00–7:30 PMProspective Student Session
Academic pathways
Start where you are.
Grow from there.
Every student joins a community built around rigor, initiative, and generous mentorship. Your pathway reflects the experience you bring.
01Introductory pathway
Student Researcher
For motivated students ready to learn the research process from the ground up.
- No prior research required
- Develop and implement an original study
- Present at the HSMP Colloquium
- Receive academic and career resources
02Advanced pathway
Research Fellow
A selective leadership role for experienced students and exceptional HSMP alumni.
- Advance an independent research project
- Lead journal clubs and coding tutorials
- Mentor new student researchers
- Support program education and research
Research desk · 2024 awards
Serious questions.
Student-led answers.
Recognized projects explored pharmaceutical policy, diagnostic disparities, maternal health, and access to cancer screening.
Post-IRA investment in small molecule cancer therapies
View the poster archiveBest quantitative study
Disparities in diagnosis of ADHD among girls vs. boys
Catherine HanCarter G. Woodson High School
Best systematic review
Risk factors of peripartum cardiomyopathy
Sarah RoelkeLake Braddock Secondary School
Best narrative review
Stigma in cancer-screening disparities among adults with chronic illness
Meghana MenduBayside High School
HSMP Research DeskField note / 26
Student researchQuestion.
Evidence.
Impact.
Research fellowship · 2026Evidence.
Impact.
From the fellowship
“Research is more than a final poster.”
Sarah Roelke studies women’s and maternal health from a global perspective while helping new student researchers find their footing.
Access comes first
Potential should not depend on proximity.
HSMP prioritizes students from schools and communities with limited research infrastructure, advanced lab experiences, and professional mentorship networks. In Virginia, the program serves select schools; applicants elsewhere are reviewed based on access and individual context.
01Is HSMP a lab science program?+
No. HSMP focuses on health services and clinical research—not wet-lab biology or chemistry. Students seeking lab work should explore Mason's ASSIP program.
02How much time does the program require?+
Students typically attend two to three evening program meetings each month. Research teams meet separately, usually weekly or every other week, for 60–90 minutes.
03Do I need prior research experience?+
No. The Student Researcher pathway is designed as an introduction. The competitive Fellowship pathway is for students with stronger backgrounds in health science or research methods.
04What if my school is not on the priority list?+
You can still request a holistic eligibility review. HSMP considers circumstances including financial hardship, disability, homeschooling, family responsibilities, and major life disruptions.
Applications close September 19