BLaST

Biomedical Learning and Student Training

Get specialized education and training for careers in biomedicine and biomedical research. The Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program offers undergraduate research training designed to engage diverse learners of all educational backgrounds — especially students from rural Alaska.

BLaST provides mentored biomedical research experiences using the One Health concept, which emphasizes the health-related connections between people, animals and their shared environment in Alaska. Many of these projects have resulted in peer-reviewed publications with undergraduate co-authors.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in health or biomedical research, BLaST also offers scholarship awards that cover your tuition and fees. .

What Is Biomedical Science?

Combining biology and medicine, the field of biomedical sciences focuses on the health of both humans and animals, applying the principles of the natural sciences to clinical medicine, public health and other health-related areas. With a biomedical science degree, you can also branch into fields such as biomedical engineering, biomedical informatics, biomedical technology, biomedical ethics and other biomedical science careers.

Why biomedical research is important in Alaska

In the subsistence culture of Alaska, activities such as hunting, fishing and gathering food from the environment are vital to the health and culture of many rural communities. Today, these communities are facing unprecedented challenges brought about by climate change that demand biomedical innovations.

The BLaST program offers opportunities to pursue biomedical research that can positively impact your community. Examples of research topics relevant to rural communities in Alaska include diseases of wildlife (such as rabies and tularemia), contaminants in the food chain and the effects of climate change on subsistence resources such as fish and wildlife.

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Quick Facts

  • Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  • Scholarships, Research Experiences,  and travel awards available

  • Undergraduate professional development open to all undergraduate students

 

Why Study Biomedical Sciences at UAF?

Prepare for high-demand biomedical science jobs. The Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program at UAF offers unique opportunities to engage in biomedical research that addresses critical challenges facing rural and Native Alaskans.

Engage in hands-on biomedical research experiences

  • Mentored undergraduate research experiences take you beyond the classroom to explore One Health solutions that benefit Alaskan communities. The program also includes frequent classroom activities that require critical thinking and creative problem solving.

Apply the One Health concept

  • One Health offers a culturally relevant approach to biomedical science training that integrates human, animal and environmental health. Learn more about One Health.

 
Work on problems relevant to your community

  • In rural Alaska, the bonds between people and place are strong. Our biomedical sciences training program takes an approach that incorporates students’ own experiences, honors cultural elements shared by rural Alaskans and Alaska Natives, and relies on strong community involvement.

 
Get the support you need to succeed

  • You don’t need in-depth scientific knowledge or research experience to get started — we provide a community of holistic support for students of all skills levels. This includes course-based biomedical research opportunities for students with little or no background in college-level science, faculty-mentored projects and summer research experiences.

 
Join a diverse community of learners

  • Student researchers from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems in the field of biomedicine.

Biomedical Learning and Student Training at UAF

 

Biomedical Science Jobs

Our Biomedical Learning and Student Training program is designed to open doors and help you go where you want, based on your personal and professional goals.

Many of our students have gone on to master’s programs or have started on biomedical science careers. Some have gone on to Ph.D., M.D., or D.V.M.  programs.

Examples of biomedical science careers

  • Biomedical scientist
  • Biomedical researcher
  • Epidemiologist
  • Physician
  • Veterinarian
  • Registered Nurse
  • Clinical laboratory technician
  • Biomedical ethics specialist

What is a biomedical scientist?

A biomedical scientist is a scientist trained in biology and medicine. Biomedical scientists conduct research to learn about how the human body works and to find new ways to cure or treat disease.