Summer Opportunities in Anatomy Research

 

 

Soar Circle Logo Option 3

Applications Open January 2026

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Center for Anatomical Sciences

UNT Health Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas

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The SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Anatomy Research) program at the UNT Health Fort Worth provides undergraduate students the opportunity to gain research, education, and outreach experience in the anatomical sciences.

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Read the AAA Innovations Grant Report for SOAR
Read the AAA Innovations Project Update for SOAR
Read the Proceedings of SOAR 2021 (conference abstracts)

 

 

As a SOAR student, you will:

  • Complete a 10-week research internship with a faculty mentor.
  • Receive a stipend of approximately $4,000.
  • Develop and present a research poster.
  • Explore graduate training opportunities and careers in the anatomical sciences.
  • Develop scientific communication skills.
  • Engage in science outreach activities.

 

Current SOAR research mentors

  • Elizabeth Cho, PhD: biological anthropology; human evolution and variation; sexual dimorphism; thermoregulation and climatic adaptation.
  • Scott Maddux, PhD: biological anthropology; human evolution and variation; craniofacial and respiratory anatomy; thermoregulation and climatic adaptation.
  • Rachel Menegaz, PhD: craniofacial biomechanics and functional morphology; impacts of weaning and diet on growth, function, and evolution of masticatory tissues; musculoskeletal health; brittle bone disease..

 

Internship Housing 

  • Housing near campus is provided free of charge for SOAR interns..

 

Student requirements:

  • Undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2026 (junior or senior preferred).
  • 18+ years old.
  • 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA preferred.
  • US citizenship or permanent residency.
  • Intention of pursuing a research-based graduate degree (traditional MS/PhD,  or dual clinical/research degree such as DO/PhD, MD/PhD, DPT/PhD, etc.) and future career in the anatomical sciences (anatomy, biology, anthropology, paleontology, etc.).
    • Students looking to attend professional school programs (e.g. DO, MD, DDS, PA, PT, RN) are encouraged to apply for other summer internship opportunities at UNT Health.
  • Students from underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.

 

Apply Online

  • Applications must be submitted through the  SOAR Online Application Portal. Applications for SOAR 2026 will open in January 2026. You can preview the 2025 application HERE.
  • For more information about the SOAR program, please email the SOAR program director, Dr. Rachel Menegaz, at SOAR@unthealth.edu.
  • For information about other undergraduate internship opportunities at UNT Health, see the Undergraduate Summer Research Internships run by the Center for Diversity and International Programs.

 

Funding

The 2022-2023 SOAR programs were funded by the National Science Foundation (REU – Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program)

NSF
The 2019-2021 SOAR programs were funded by the American Association for Anatomy Innovations Program. Aaalogo 21978