VA Learning Opportunities in Research

VA Learning Opportunities in Research (VALOR)

The VALOR program seeks to enroll undergraduate and graduate students majoring in diversified areas of engineering, computer science or related fields who are interested in learning more about VA research and development opportunities. HERL staff and faculty engage students in rehabilitation engineering and medical device design to understand issues and apply engineering principles to improve function, quality of life and societal participation for Veterans and Veterans with disabilities. VALOR is designed to increase the number of underrepresented students prepared for and energized to pursue careers in VA research and development and assist them in pursuing their career goals.

Students work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and a diverse cohort of people with disabilities and Veterans to meet their goals and to gain knowledge and experience of different opportunities. VALOR participants are assigned real-world research projects based upon their own educational backgrounds and strengths, with constant guidance from a graduate student mentor on-site. Weekly professional and academic workshops led by HERL and VA researchers feature topics such as: “Aspects and Awareness of Disability,” “Adaptive Sports,” “Oral Presentation Skills,” among many others. A deep-dive into assessment and delivery of assistive technology in University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) is also included. VALOR participants will write a project paper, develop a scientific poster, and compete in an elevator pitch competition based on their research project assignment.  The program concludes with the Final Symposium and HERL Open House, where the winners of the best paper, poster, and elevator pitch are recognized.

If the VALOR Program interests you, please apply here. Deadline for applications is March 15, 2024.

This program is funded through the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Research and Development.