Targeting Equitable Access to Medicine
About Us
DART Lab (Drug Affordability Research & Translation Lab) is a student-led, nonpartisan think tank advancing drug affordability and equitable access to essential medicines. We bring together 40+ students across 15+ universities, supported by mentors and advisors in health policy, medicine, law, and related fields.
Our goal is to expand access to high-quality policy and research opportunities while maintaining a strong standard for rigor. Students are given the opportunity to engage with real work, and those who demonstrate commitment are supported in taking on more advanced projects.
DART Lab focuses on core issues in drug pricing and access, including:
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Pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices and market dynamics
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340B program structure, transparency, and hospital participation
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Direct-to-consumer (DTC) and cash-pay pharmacy models
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Drug pricing, reimbursement, and supply chain economics
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Insurance design, including deductibles, utilization management, and affordability protections
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Medicaid and public program policy
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Access disparities across rural, tribal, and underserved populations
Our work emphasizes clear, usable outputs. Policy briefs are developed with a focus on Oklahoma and are intended for direct use by legislators and staff. Authors are responsible for engaging with legislative offices, presenting their work, and supporting follow-up discussions.
In addition to policy and research, DART Lab is building a volunteering program focused on practical, measurable impact. This includes helping individuals navigate medication costs, identify lower-cost options, and better understand insurance and access pathways. As the organization grows, we aim to further support contributors through opportunities such as research collaboration, conference travel, and project-based funding.
How DART Lab Works
Open Access, High Standards
Students are given the opportunity to get involved first through learning the basics of health policy through our resources, with expectations centered on initiative, follow-through, and quality of work.
Project-Based Work
All contributions are tied to defined projects with tangible outputs, including op-eds on substack, policy briefs for policy makers, and research for academic journals (empirical or perspectives).
Policy Engagement
Policy briefs are written for Oklahoma policymakers, and authors are expected to engage directly with legislative offices to communicate their work.
Mentorship and Growth
Students who demonstrate strong work may be connected with faculty mentors, collaborative research opportunities, and more advanced projects.
Community Impact
The volunteering program focuses on direct service, helping individuals navigate medication access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and connect with available resources.