USU EMDP2 Students Participate in Operational Impact Scholars Program Research Bootcamp

USU, Texas A&M partnership advances research training for enlisted-to-physician pathway students.

USU EMDP2 students and staff visited the Bush Combat Development Complex during the Operational

Impact Scholars program research bootcamp. (Photo credit: Texas A&M)

February 12, 2026 by Sharon Holland

Students from the Uniformed Services University’s (USU) Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2) recently traveled to College Station, Texas, to participate in an immersive research bootcamp hosted by Texas A&M University—the second time USU students have taken part in the program. The initiative is part of a joint effort between Texas A&M and USU’s National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, a division of the university’s National Institute for Defense Health Cooperation (NIDHC). 

Launched in 2024 under the direction of Dr. Larissa Unruh of NIDHC and Dr. Jason Moats of Texas A&M University, the Operational Impact Scholars program provides EMDP2 students with meaningful, hands-on research experience prior to applying to medical school. The initiative pairs students with experienced research mentors and guides them through the full scientific process—from developing research questions and submitting Institutional Review Board protocols to selecting methodologies, collecting data, and presenting findings.

During the January 12–15 bootcamp, students engaged with a research panel and participated in site visits to the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Brayton Fire Training Field/Disaster City, the Huffines Institute, and the Bush Combat Development Complex, gaining exposure to environments that support disaster response, human performance research, and operational readiness.

Students toured "Disaster City" at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Brayton Fire Training Field

to gain exposure to disaster response environments. (Photo credit: Texas A&M)

Students also attended expert-led sessions highlighting the connection between research and real-world medical practice. Lt. Col. (Dr.) George Gibson, a flight surgeon with the 136th Airlift Wing of the Texas Air National Guard, emphasized the importance of understanding the science behind clinical decision-making, while Lt. Col. Billy Enochs who is a Regional Medical Plans Officer for FEMA Region VI and a Public Health and Medical Service Corp Officer with the Texas Air National Guard shared lessons from the COVID-19 response and underscored the critical role of interagency collaboration during national emergencies. Dedicated work sessions allowed scholars to refine their research questions and meet with their assigned mentors.

NIDHC’s Executive Director, Dr. Jeff Freeman, views the program as an essential experience for future military health leaders, “It’s critical to the warfighter that military health leaders bridge the divide between research and operations. This program aims to do exactly that and we are fortunate to have such an incredible partner in Texas A&M.” 

The students have now completed scoping reviews for their selected topics and will continue developing their projects in collaboration with their mentors. All Operational Impact Scholars will present their research findings and program experiences at the 2026 USU Research Day in May. 

“In my opinion,” says Unruh, “programs like the Operational Impact Scholars initiative strengthen the academic foundation of USU’s future military physicians, equipping them with critical research skills that support military readiness and advance the health of those who serve.”