51³Ô¹Ï

The McKinstry Fellows Research Program exists due to the generous support of Dean and Vicki Allen. Click here to learn about the Allens and the origins of the McKinstry Fellows Research Program. 

The McKinstry Fellows Research Program supports 51³Ô¹Ï-faculty research teams probing questions that are relevant to society today and that will impact future generations.

[GU = Gonzaga University, UWSOM = University of Washington School of Medicine] 

Criteria 

A. Proposals must satisfy at least one of these four criteria: 

1. Project focuses on a significant health-related question.
2. Project is co-curricular, mindfully incorporating a non-academic office and/or non-faculty employee(s) at GU and/or UWSOM  (e.g. RIDE, MEDEX, CCE, GU-Outdoors, UMEC, LLRC, Clinical Legal Programs, etc.).
3. Project is a collaborative effort involving at least one Spokane-area agency or organization.
4. Project is interdisciplinary and involves faculty and/or 51³Ô¹Ïs from different disciplines, especially those not traditionally linked. 

We are particularly interested in projects that:  

• aim to improve the health and/or well-being of rural residents.
• include at least one research team member (e.g., 51³Ô¹Ï, faculty, staff) from both GU and UWSOM.
• articulate how the proposed work connects to at least one of the mission statements of GU and the .  

B. Student/Mentor Expectations 

• Proposals must address 51³Ô¹Ï impact and involvement in the research. In general, 51³Ô¹Ï compensation should account for at least 33% of the proposed budget.
• The lead mentor must be committed to work directly with the 51³Ô¹Ï(s) throughout the 10-week research period.
• Given that this is a 10-week summer research program providing a meaningful research experience for 51³Ô¹Ïs, proposals must demonstrate reasonable aspirations for timeline, budget, and goals.  

Who is eligible to apply?

Faculty – affiliated with Gonzaga and/or UW School of Medicine who: 

• will be returning for fall semester. 
• are able to serve as a research mentor in or near Spokane throughout the 10-week period.

Once a proposal is accepted, faculty lead mentors can either self-identify research 51³Ô¹Ïs, or CURCI can help recruit as needed. Students will be asked to submit a separate application for database tracking purposes. 

Note the criteria for 51³Ô¹Ïs listed below. 

• This program is open to all 51³Ô¹Ïs, regardless of major, including undergraduate, graduate, medical, and physician assistant (PA) 51³Ô¹Ïs.
• Students must be enrolled at GU or UW School of Medicine, and:
  •  will be returning for fall semester.
  • are available to work in the Spokane area throughout the 10-week period.
  • are available to participate in any necessary safety and research ethics training.
  • can present their project through poster or oral presentations in Spokane in the fall immediately following the summer research.
    
    

Now accepting applications for Summer 2025. Applications are due at 11:59pm on February 18th, 2025. No late applications will be accepted.

Faculty and medical 51³Ô¹Ïs may request an application by contacting us at curci@gonzaga.edu, with “McKinstry Application Request” in the subject line; members of the Gonzaga Community can also access this info at .