Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are exploding in popularity in fields ranging from art to science and everything in between—bioengineering included. While these tools have the potential to bring about significant improvements in healthcare, the systems aren’t perfect. How can we identify when machine learning and artificial intelligence are suggesting solutions that aren’t effective in the real world? 

The Technology-Based Healthcare Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for Illinois graduate students to work collaboratively with Mayo Clinic researchers and clinicians on a translational research project aimed at developing new technologies and clinical tools. To get the most from the experience, fellows are encouraged to spend one year at Illinois and one year at Mayo Clinic. In January, the Alliance will welcome its twelfth fellow to participate in this unique program.

Meet the current fellows and learn a bit more about the cutting-edge research they are conducting in collaboration with University of Illinois and Mayo Clinic researchers and clinicians.    

At the end of the 2022 program, the fellows shared why they applied to the SURF program, the impact of the experience on their academic or career goals, and advice for future participants in the program. To view photos and learn what the fellows had to say about their summer undergraduate research experience at Mayo Clinic, watch the video.

Each year, Mayo Clinic invites undergraduates from across the nation to participate in their Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. As part of our longstanding collaboration, Mayo Clinic reserves seven spots each year for Illinois students chosen by the Mayo Clinic & Illinois Alliance pre-selection committee. This year, we are proud to announce that 10 Illinois students are headed to Rochester, MN to participate in the 2022 SURF program.