KU Medical Center Educational Experience (KEE)

The KU Medical Center Educational Experience (KEE) is a research placement system at the University of Kansas Medical Center that lets high school students, college students and working professionals spend time in the medical center's research facilities. Participants work in research laboratories, research areas or animal facilities in Kansas City, Kansas. Learners pick one of two roles. Research Observational Learners watch research activity but do not do any hands-on work. Research Active Learners take part in research directly and are allowed hands-on activity. A research experience can run for up to four months, which equals one semester or one summer, and it can be extended to a full academic year with approval from the vice chancellor. The experience is educational only, so participants receive no pay or other compensation. The application is noncompetitive.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or DACA recipient. Students under 18 need permission from a parent or guardian, and participants 18 or older must pass a background check. To apply, students complete an online application that includes privacy and confidentiality (HIPAA) training with a quiz, safety training and compliance forms, including privacy, release and infection control attestations. Immunizations and TB screening may be needed for patient or animal lab contact. Requests can take up to 30 days to process, and applicants who have already identified a faculty sponsor are processed first. Students seeking credit from their own school need a separate affiliation agreement.