Summer Research Program

University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) offers a summer  program  that provides short term research training for optometry students. The purpose of the program is to introduce students in the clinical program to opportunities for a career that includes clinical or health-related biomedical research.

Optometry students who participate receive a Predoctoral Research Fellowship in the amount of $7056 for 12 weeks in the summer (May 13- August 6, 2026).

At least eight fellowship slots are open for 1st year optometry students who are not concurrently enrolled in optometry coursework during the summer between first and second year. Students who participate in the summer research program will be eligible to apply to the Master of Science (MS) in Physiological Optics and Vision Science degree program in October of the second year to continue their research as dual degree, OD/MS students in the upcoming spring term.

First year optometry students interested in conducting vision research in the summer after the first year can view an updated application form linked to this notification in January of each year along with the current list of research opportunities provided by faculty research mentors. First year optometry students will receive application materials via email in the beginning of the spring term.
Additional information and forms can be obtained by contacting

Program Manager, Renee Armacost (rrattelade@uh.edu).
Applications are due March 3, 2026, submitted to optrsrch@central.uh.edu.

If you have any questions about applying, please contact Renee Armacost. Students are encouraged to contact the Research Program Director, Dr. Laura Frishman, and faculty research mentors to discuss summer research opportunities.