HOLO Labs
Student-led research lab pioneering the brokership model
The Problem
Medical students at VCOM had limited access to structured research opportunities. The traditional model — finding a mentor, securing funding, navigating IRB — created high barriers to entry, especially for students interested in interdisciplinary work spanning biodesign, product development, and community health.
The Solution
We founded HOLO Labs (Healthcare Observations, Lexicography, and Outcomes Laboratories) as the first student-led research lab at VCOM to adopt a research brokership approach. Instead of siloed mentor-student pairs, we created a collaborative ecosystem where students could access projects, mentorship, and resources through a centralized lab structure.
Tech Stack & Tools
What We Built
Research Brokership
Centralized matchmaking between students, projects, and mentors — lowering barriers to research participation.
Product Development
Students build tangible products: DRPLAP (AI voice recognition), naloxone carriers, laryngoscope trainers.
Grant Writing Program
Training and support for students to write and win research grants — over $33K secured.
Community Outreach
Research with real-world impact, including the Overdose Prevention Task Force and Spanish translation guides.
By the Numbers
11+
Publications
$33K+
Research Grants
20+
Student Researchers
5
Products Developed