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Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute (DORI) 

Education & Enrichment

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DORI Pilot Program

The DORI pilot program was implemented to establish a track record in pilot funding and to build a critical mass of collaborative research. Pilot awards funded through DORI have supported new investigators, career development, new technologies, and team science. Since 2013, the DORI pilot program has invested $685,000 on funding a total of 14 awards supporting 12 pilot projects, two of which received a second year of support.

Principal Investigators of the pilot studies come from a diverse background and their work characterizes the integrated and translational theme of the DORI.  DORI pilot projects have been successful in producing high-impact findings, and awardees have demonstrated a high success rate in translating their work into larger, externally funded projects.

Success since 2013

We are proud to announce that Dr. Tito Borner is the recipient of the 2026 DORI Pilot Award!

Dr. Borner’s funded project is titled “Mesolimbic GIPR Signaling as a Mechanism for Tolerable Appetite Suppression.” Congratulations, Dr. Borner. We look forward to following this work.

We aim to advance diabetes and obesity research by developing novel, precision-based strategies for treatment and prevention across the lifespan.

Clinical & translational research in patient populations served by USC

Convergent science to harness & leverage unique resources & expertise across KSOM& USC through a plethora of disciplines

Effective health behavior strategies built on community engagement

Our Main Focus

Obesity and diabetes are major public health challenges with wide-ranging impacts across populations. DORI establishes a unified research vision across the University of Southern California (USC) focused on:

  • Understanding biological, environmental, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to variation in obesity and diabetes risk

  • Examining mechanisms that link obesity to diabetes across diverse physiological contexts

  • Identifying how risk trajectories emerge during critical periods across the life course

  • Strengthening collaboration between investigators, clinicians, and community health partners to improve prevention and treatment strategies

DORI-chart
Investigators and staff at DORI work to develop stronger ties with community health organizations and synergize efforts to strengthen clinical options for all people

Bridging the Gaps Program

Bridging the Gaps (BTG) is an 8-week summer program at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Students gain diverse hands-on research experience. After seminars in health, physiology, and biostatistics, the program concludes with a presentation of students’ research to the KSOM community.

LA's BeST @ USC

LA’s Biostatistics and Data Science Summer Training Program offers training for students in STEM and data science—program hosted by the Dept. of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine.

Summer Program In Diabetes & Obesity Research (SPIDOR)

SPIDOR is an in-residence 10-week summer research experience that provides students interested in science and medicine with an opportunity to gain meaningful exposure to the exceptional research and clinical programs at the Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) of USC. Summer scholars will conduct cutting-edge diabetes/obesity research in the laboratories of faculty members from the USC Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (DORI). Participants will be exposed to basic science, translational, and clinical research experiences. The summer session culminates with students presenting their research findings to the KSOM community.

This program is open to all eligible individuals. DORI operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

No program for 2026, but we hope to have a program in 2027.

Joyce Richey, PhD Program Director – Joyce Richey, PhD
Phone: 323-442-1939
Email: [email protected]
Richard M. Watanabe, PhD Program Director – Richard M. Watanabe, PhD
Phone: 323-442-2053
Email: [email protected]
Christina Ayala, MPH Program Manager – Christina Ayala, MPH
Phone: 323-442-2500
Email: [email protected]

  • Applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    • Completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study
    • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or greater

    Selection will be based on:

    • An essay describing how this program will enhance your educational and career goals
    • Two faculty Letters of Recommendation (One Must be from a Faculty in the Life Science)
    • Official college transcript(s)
    • Scholars receive a stipend.
    • Transportation costs and University housing are paid by the program.
    • Weekly didactic lectures in metabolism, physiology, and biostatistics.
    • Seminars focusing on reducing health disparities and enhancing cultural competence in health care.
    • Opportunities to shadow at affiliated hospitals: Keck, LAC+USC and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
    • Career development workshops on financial aid, MCAT prep, graduate school admission process, test taking skills, organization skills, time management, and career choices.

SPIDOR Impact Report

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, as long as your application form with your essay are submitted by the deadline, your application will be considered on-time. However, recommendation letters and transcripts are due the week after the application deadline.

  • Yes, your application is welcomed as long as you are not accepted into a postbac or graduate program Please use your essay to explain how this program aligns with your future in diabetes/obesity related research.

  • In an effort to encourage full immersion into the program, yes, it is mandatory.

SPIDOR Student Testimonials

Student 1

“I would 1000% recommend this program, it was a life-changing and extremely fulfilling experience. I have been a part of eight summer programs since my freshman year of high school and this program has been by far the best.”

Student 2

“I really enjoyed how the program was not only research but also included shadowing and volunteering. I viewed this program to be very holistic which stands out from other programs. This holistic approach gave me a lot to think about for the future.”

Student 3

“This program has left a lasting impression on me. My experiences from lectures, shadowing, and contributing to Dr. Kanoski’s lab reinforced my passion for the biological sciences and medicine. This program allowed me to build a network of USC faculty, medical students, and other pre-med students with whom I plan to stay in contact. This program immersed me in the school culture and gave me a better understanding of what it is like to be a USC student. In addition, I enjoyed learning and creating life-long bonds with other minority pre-med students.”