Penn State College of Medicine offers 10-week summer research programs for undergraduate college students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical sciences research.
These programs are administered through our Office of Graduate Education.
These programs provide student learning opportunities for career explorations in allied health and the biomedical sciences.
We’re committed to equal opportunity and diversity. Women, underrepresented minorities, people with disabilities, and first-generation college students are encouraged to apply.
The College does not presently offer opportunities for shadowing for high school students or internships for undergraduate students.
Who it's for: High-schoolers interested in volunteer opportunities and specialized programs in science and medicine.
What you'll do: Participate in a variety of programs offered through the College of Medicine and Penn State Health.
Who it's for: Students who’ve completed at least two years of college and are interested in pursuing a career in the biological sciences. This program is appropriate for students considering applying to PhD programs, not medical school.
What you'll do: Work in a basic or clinical research laboratory for a 10-week summer session in Hershey. Potential research includes bioinformatics, bioengineering, imaging, clinical research, and public health.
Who it's for: Students who are rising juniors or seniors in college, who demonstrate a strong interest in gaining experience in cardiovascular disease research and pursuing a career that includes research (PhD or MD/PhD).
What you'll do: Work in a biomedical research laboratory focused on cardiovascular research (heart failure, vascular disease, stroke, diabetes/obesity, etc.). You will also attend a career development seminar series and a weekly research seminar that includes cardiovascular researchers, and present your work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium during a 10-week summer program in Hershey.
Who it's for: Any undergraduate student who has completed at least 1 year of college.
What you'll do: Conduct basic or clinical research with experienced faculty during a 10-week summer program in Hershey. Focus areas include diabetes, nutrition and obesity, and digestive, kidney, and hematological diseases.
Who it's for: Outstanding students matriculated in Penn State's Schreyer Honors College who are interested in becoming physician-scientists.
What you'll do: Work in a biomedical research laboratory under the guidance of a faculty member on the MD/PhD training faculty. You’ll also shadow a physician during weekly clinical exposure sessions during this 10-week summer program in Hershey.
Who it's for: Students preparing for their last year of undergraduate education for a bachelor's-level degree in a major related to medical laboratory science at one of a selection of affiliated colleges or universities.
What you'll do: Spend your senior year earning a certificate in medical laboratory science from Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, graduating from your home institution at the end of the year with your bachelor's degree.
Who it's for: Students possessing unique talents and skills that can contribute to and enhance the cancer research community who have completed one to two years of undergraduate studies in a STEM major or who are in between their first and second years in an accredited US medical school.
What you'll do: Work full-time as a member of an interdisciplinary cancer research team to learn first-hand how research discoveries are being translated into clinical or societal practice. You will contribute to collaborative research, learn about effective cancer prevention and treatment, experience the every-day work environment of cancer researchers, and develop networks and professional skills to support your future career.
