Curriculum
Program Pillars
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Research and Professional Development Course
HELIOS members complete 50 hours of didactic training during weekly lab meetings in the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. Topics include:Health equity topics include: social determinants of health, health services delivery, and leadership.
Professional Development topics include: preparing for medical school applications, careers in clinical professions, networking at professional conferences, and writing a personal statement.
Research topics include: writing an undergraduate research proposal, analyzing research data, conducting patient focus groups and developing effective research presentations.
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Student Leadership Organization
HELIOS members are encouraged to take leadership positions in our lab, modeled after other student organizations.In these leadership positions, students shape the direction of the lab, helping plan the lab curriculum and service opportunities, networking with clinical and community collaborators, communicating about our work through social media, and planning social events.
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Real World Health Research Experience
HELIOS members begin by working within existing collaborative projects like the ones listed on this page—supporting team members in recruiting patients at the clinic, preparing educational materials in English and Spanish, and assisting in patient education sessions at the clinic.After gaining some experience and knowledge, students are invited to develop their own research projects related to the topics we are studying, following the HELIOS Lab Research Lifecycle described below.
Students receive guidance as they apply for funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), develop IRB protocols, collect and analyze data, and present their work at local, regional and national conferences.
Quarter-by-Quarter
HELIOS offers a year-round curriculum in health equity, professional development and research.
Research projects are designed and refined in phases throughout the academic year, with the final presentation showcased at the UROP Symposium and other research conferences.
Syllabus
Just as biologists and chemists must have a basic set of skills to complete laboratory procedures, community-engaged and clinic-focused health equity researchers must be trained in some fundamental competencies to do their work effectively. Our curriculum is designed to ensure our members develop the necessary strengths in Health Equity, Leadership, and Scientific Communication.
Annual Events
Beach Social
Fall Quarter
The beach social is for welcoming new students into our research lab and is designed to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where students can bond and build relationships outside of the academic setting.
HELIOSgiving
Fall Quarter
During HELIOSgiving, students gather to reflect on their gratitude by writing letters to individuals who have made a significant impact on their lives. HELIOSgiving is more than just a seasonal gathering; it embodies the spirit of gratitude and unity within our community. By coming together to express thanks and enjoy a shared meal, we strengthen bonds, nurture positivity, and create lasting memories that embody the values of appreciation and mutual support.
Microprojects
Winter Quarter
Our microprojects empower students to delve into crucial health equity issues through focused research initiatives. Each project is tailored to explore specific aspects of healthcare disparities, social determinants of health, or barriers to equitable healthcare access. Students select topics aligned with their interests and academic goals, enabling them to develop expertise in areas such as racial disparities in maternal health, access to mental health services in underserved communities, or socioeconomic factors influencing chronic disease management.
UROP Symposium
Spring Quarter
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) hosts the UCI Undergraduate Research Symposium, an annual event held in May, that offers hundreds of undergraduates the opportunity to present the results of their research or creative activities.
Banquet
Spring Quarter
Our annual banquet is a cherished tradition within our research lab, dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and milestones achieved throughout the year. It serves as a momentous occasion where we gather to reflect, recognize, and honor the dedication and achievements of our team members. In addition to celebrating accomplishments, our annual banquet holds a special moment for graduating seniors. We honor their dedication and commitment by presenting them with stoles adorned with our lab's emblem, symbolizing their significant contributions and marking their transition to the next phase of their academic or professional journey.
Outside Experiences
Year Round
HELIOS members participate in outside experiences across the campus and in the community in groups of four or more to strengthen connection with each other while gaining knowledge and inspiration. Experiences include professional development workshops, professional and scientific conferences, health equity talks, community site visits, service opportunities, sporting events, and arts and cultural exhibitions.
Student Leadership Committees
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Engagement
Connect members to meaningful experiences across the campus and in the community
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Identify and publicize opportunities in Service, Professional Development and Clinical Experiences to help members meet the Outside Experiences requirement for the lab
Help organize participation of students in groups of 4 or more to build cohesion
Shout out lab members as they attend different experiences together
Collect photos and short written reflections from students’ experiences and share them with External Communications
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Enrichment
Support learning and mentorship opportunities for HELIOS members
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Run the HELIOS Learn-al Club, where students present and discuss research articles, news items, community reports and other works to advance our knowledge of the field.
Connect with our network of over 100 HELIOS alumni to supporting networking and mentorship.
Cultivate student contributions to strength and knowledge-building components of our weekly lab meetings like Centering Activities, R.I.P. (Research in Progress) Presentations and other activities.
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External Communications
Gather and share photos and stories about HELIOS experiences and accomplishments.
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Run the HELIOS lab social media accounts
Gather articles, photos and other content from others in the lab to create a quarterly newsletter
Maintain our collection of photos, videos and materials
Prepare flyers, infographics and community-facing materials about lab activities
Help update the lab website and prepare the year-end slideshow
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Social
Foster connection and belonging among HELIOS members.
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Plan student-led social events—movie nights, museum outings, sporting events, nature walks and other opportunities to relax and connect. At least one each quarter.
Acknowledge member birthdays and special occasions
Help make our major annual events—the Beach Social, HELIOSGiving and year-end Banquet beautiful and memorable.