Empowering Veterans Through Research: Yale’s REVU Summer Program

Thursday, August 31, 2023
 
For veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life, the journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. The challenges they face, from translating military skills to academic success to finding a sense of belonging in the civilian world, are unique and often underestimated. However, there’s a remarkable initiative at Yale University that’s been making a significant difference in the lives of veteran undergraduates: the Research Experience for Veteran Undergraduate (REVU) summer program. 
 
Professor Marla Geha (front row, far left), Jeremy Bradford (back row, far left), and the REVU Class of 2023
All photos by Robyn Lisone
 
Student veterans accepted into the program (fellows) join a research group on Yale’s campus led by a senior faculty member. In these research groups, fellows work on open-ended research projects, develop skills in their scientific field, translate skills from the military to the lab, enjoy active mentoring with campus researchers, read literature relevant to their project, and collaborate with other REVU fellows. The REVU program culminates in a poster presentation of each fellow’s research for the Yale community which introduces the fellows to both STEM communication and networking.
 
Yale Conferences & Events assisted with this incredible summer program and recently had the privilege of chatting with REVU’s founders, Yale Professor Marla Geha and Jeremy Bradford, to understand how REVU empowers veterans for success in STEM and beyond. Read below and prepare to be inspired!

Building Confidence and Skills

The REVU program, which was initiated in 2019 and is the brainchild of Yale Professor Marla Geha and Jeremy Bradford, aims to achieve several critical objectives:
  • Confidence in Scientific Research: One of the primary goals is to instill confidence in veterans to perform scientific research, leveraging their unique backgrounds and experiences.
  • Peer and Mentor Relationships: The program encourages veterans to develop strong relationships and collaborations with their peers and mentors, fostering a supportive network.
  • Leadership Development: REVU prepares participants to become leaders at their home institutions, promoting academic excellence.
  • Problem-Solving and Curiosity: It hones their problem-solving skills and nurtures their curiosity, essential attributes for success in STEM fields.
  • Communication Skills: The program enhances written and verbal communication skills, vital for effective scientific communication.
  • Literature Proficiency: Veterans learn to read and critically analyze scientific literature, a key skill in research.
  • Technical Skills: Participants acquire technical skills relevant to their scientific field, bridging the gap between military service and academia.
  • Career Opportunities: By gaining hands-on research experience, veterans become more likely to secure jobs in STEM-related fields.

Addressing Unique Challenges

Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents veterans with distinct challenges. REVU acknowledges and addresses these difficulties head-on:
  • Skills Translation: The program helps veterans translate their military skills to the lab, enabling them to excel in academic environments.
  • Belonging and Social Support: Veterans often struggle to find a sense of belonging within the undergraduate population; REVU builds a supportive community where they feel valued.
  • Mental Health Support: Recognizing the importance of mental health, REVU provides a nurturing environment for veterans to thrive.
  • Networking: The program offers valuable networking opportunities, bridging the gap between veterans and the academic community.
  • Group Work: Collaborative group work fosters a sense of camaraderie, which is essential for success.

Success Stories: Transforming Lives

The REVU program has already transformed the lives of many veterans, providing them with the tools and confidence needed for academic and professional success. Frederick Cordova, a U.S. Navy Veteran and a 2019 REVU Fellow, shares his experience: “I am forever grateful for a program like REVU… It was a great experience to show myself that I can be a contributing member in a real lab environment. The REVU program gives us a real chance of proving to ourselves that we can succeed.”

 

Collaboration and Partnerships

Collaboration is at the heart of REVU’s success. While the program is run by a small team at Yale, it benefits from the support of faculty members who host students. Furthermore, REVU has forged a significant partnership with the Warrior Scholar Project, an organization founded at Yale, which conducts academic boot camps at over 20 campuses. Many REVU alumni have participated in these programs, creating a strong and supportive network.
 

Measuring Impact and Success

The REVU program’s impact is evident in the accomplishments of its alumni. Several past participants have been accepted into medical school, and others are preparing their applications for graduate school. These outcomes serve as a testament to the program’s effectiveness in preparing veterans for postgraduate education and careers in STEM fields.
 
Yale’s REVU summer program is more than just an academic endeavor; it’s a transformative experience for veterans. By addressing the unique challenges veterans face and providing comprehensive support, REVU empowers veterans to excel in STEM fields and beyond. This program not only bridges the gap between military service and academia but also fosters a sense of belonging and community, ultimately changing the lives of those who participate.