Celebrating the 2025 Summer Scholars

This summer, HMRI proudly welcomed a dynamic cohort of students to our campus through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and High School STEM Summer Program. Over the course of several weeks, these emerging scientists immersed themselves in hands-on biomedical research, working alongside HMRI investigators on real-world challenges in cardiovascular health, neuroscience, and data science.

“This summer’s students brought energy, rigor, and an eagerness to learn that elevated our entire campus,” said Dr. Nicole Purcell, HMRI’s Scientific Director of the Education Program. “Our mission is not just to conduct groundbreaking research—it’s to open doors for the next generation. This program does exactly that.”

Watch the 2025 Summer Scholars Video Recap

These transformative experiences are made possible by the generosity of our local philanthropic partners. We are deeply grateful to the following supporters of HMRI’s 2025 summer education programs:

• American Heart Association

• Ann Peppers Foundation

• Pasadena Community Foundation

• Pasadena Educational Foundation (through the generosity of the Ballmer Group)

• Patron Saints Foundation

• The Women at Work Foundation

Each of these partners plays a vital role in expanding access to research and inspiring tomorrow’s scientific leaders.

Meet the 2025 Summer Scholars

Whether learning to analyze clinical data, troubleshoot experiments, or present their findings to faculty and peers, these students demonstrated the intellectual drive and curiosity that will shape the future of science.

High School STEM Program (Pasadena Unified School District)

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF)