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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Why Study Biomedical Sciences at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥?
Prepare for high-demand biomedical science jobs. The Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ offers unique opportunities to engage in biomedical research that addresses critical challenges facing rural and Native Alaskans.
Biomedical Learning and Student Training at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥
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.