CiCHD Summer Institute celebrates the inaugural class of future innovators
2026 CiCHD Scholars with CiCHD faculty, trainees, and staff
The Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease (CiCHD) proudly celebrated the successful completion of the inaugural CiCHD Summer Institute, held from June 15 to July 15, 2026. The month-long program brought together 32 exceptional high school and undergraduate students, who completed an immersive curriculum spanning cardiovascular science, regenerative medicine, and biomedical engineering.
CiCHD Scholars celebrate a successful research symposium and poster presentation alongside CiCHD faculty, trainees, and staff.
The Institute was delivered in two phases: a two-week virtual lecture series (June 15-26), followed by a two-week hands-on, on-site research experience (July 1-15) at UTHealth Houston. Throughout the program, participants, proudly recognized as CiCHD Scholars, engaged in lectures, laboratory workshops, leading-edge research activities, and collaborative team projects under the mentorship of CiCHD faculty, trainees, and staff.
The program concluded with a vibrant Research Symposium and Poster Presentation, where the CiCHD Scholars showcased the innovative projects they developed during the Institute. Their outstanding presentations reflected not only scientific curiosity and creativity, but also the remarkable growth they achieved over the course of the program.
We congratulate all CiCHD Scholars on their accomplishments and warmly welcome them into the growing CiCHD community. We look forward to following their future journeys and continuing to support these talented young innovators as lifelong CiCHD Scholars.