Teaching and Training TRAVIS HBCU Summer Research Program Overview HBCU Vision Research Summer Internship Program Undergraduate Opportunities Visual Science Training Program Curriculum For Faculty How to Apply T32 Trainees & Alumni Training Faculty & Staff TRAVIS HBCU Summer Research Program Overview Home TRAVIS HBCU Summer Research Program Overview Overview TRAVIS is an immersive, eight-week summer program that introduces HBCU scholars to translational vision research through hands-on laboratory experience, close mentorship, scientific communication, and a community designed to help emerging researchers thrive. Program at a Glance Length 8 Weeks Host Robert M. Brunson Center for Translational Vision Research Campus UC Irvine School of Medicine Support UC Office of the President Partner HBCUs North Carolina A&T State University and Winston-Salem State University Culminating work A research poster presented at a final symposium What Is TRAVIS? TRAVIS connects talented HBCU scholars with the people, questions, and tools advancing vision science. Hosted by the Robert M. Brunson Center for Translational Vision Research at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, the program gives students firsthand experience in a research-intensive academic environment. Scholars join a faculty-mentored laboratory, contribute to an independent research project, and learn how fundamental discoveries can move toward new approaches for preserving and restoring sight. The experience is intentionally broader than bench research. Weekly learning sessions, journal club, summer seminars, professional-development workshops, community events, and individualized mentoring help students build scientific confidence while exploring graduate, biomedical, and research careers. The Student Experience Each stage of the summer builds toward greater independence: understanding the problem, contributing to the work, interpreting results, and communicating why the research matters. 01 Join a research team Scholars are welcomed into mentor laboratories, complete onboarding, meet their research teams, and learn the scientific context for their projects. 02 Investigate a question Students gain hands-on experience with experimental design, laboratory methods, data collection, analysis, troubleshooting, and responsible research practices. 03 Grow as a scientist Journal club, seminars, career conversations, mentor check-ins, and professional-development sessions strengthen scientific reasoning and confidence. 04 Share the work Students develop a research poster, practice explaining their findings, and present at a culminating symposium alongside other summer scholars. Learning Across the Program Research Immersion TRAVIS laboratories span the basic, translational, and technology-driven questions shaping modern vision science. Molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and genomics Systems biology, pharmacology, chemistry, physics, and optics Experimental design, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving Vision research, diagnostics, and approaches to preserving sight Professional Formation Structured learning helps scholars understand how research careers develop and how scientists communicate, collaborate, and lead. Scientific communication and research-poster development Journal club and engagement with current research Mentorship, sponsorship, allyship, and coaching Graduate and professional-school preparation Community Matters TRAVIS combines demanding research with intentional community-building. Scholars meet UC Irvine faculty, researchers, graduate students, and peers across summer programs while developing a network that continues beyond the laboratory. 01 Mentor relationships Daily guidance from faculty, scientists, senior researchers, and laboratory staff. 02 Shared learning Monday sessions, journal club, summer seminars, and collaborative poster preparation. 03 Belonging at UC Irvine Welcome events, HBCU community activities, faculty conversations, and informal opportunities to connect. Partner Institutions TRAVIS is built through sustained partnership among the following institutions and programs: How the Program Grew The foundation for TRAVIS began in 2022, when Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhD, and Anna Kiker developed summer research and mentorship opportunities connecting HBCU students with UC Irvine vision scientists. Baruch “Barry” Kuppermann, MD, PhD, supported and advocated for the effort from its beginning. With support from the UC Office of the President, the TRAVIS program launched as an eight-week immersive research experience in 2025. Its inaugural cohort brought four scholars from North Carolina A&T State University and Winston-Salem State University to UC Irvine. The program continued in 2026 with five scholars and a broadened schedule of research, scientific communication, professional development, and community engagement. Today, TRAVIS reflects the Brunson Center’s commitment to workforce development, inclusive research pathways, and the integration of basic and clinical science to accelerate discoveries that preserve and restore sight. Program Mission Research experience can change what students imagine is possible. TRAVIS gives emerging scientists the experience, mentorship, community, and platform to take their next step with confidence. Meet Our 2026 Cohort Jacobie Adams Winston-Salem State University Cayla Parott Winston-Salem State University Tyquandria (Dria) Owusu Winston-Salem State University Taylor Logan North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Kyndal Cunningham North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University