The Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine American Heart Association - Undergraduate Student Fellowship (AHA-USF) Program in Cardiovascular Disease is supported by a grant from the American Heart Association.

The program provides support for students to spend 10 weeks in a biomedical research laboratory focused on cardiovascular disease research. The students in the AHA-USF program participate in weekly career development workshops and research seminars, in which students will have the opportunity to interact with cardiovascular researchers studying cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The typical participant will be between their sophomore and junior year, or between their junior and senior year of undergraduate studies.

Students who will have a BA or BS prior to the start of the program should not apply.

AHA-USF is most appropriate for students considering application to PhD, MD or MD/PhD programs with a strong interest in research within the AHA mission.

There is no clinical shadowing component to the internship.

Penn State College of Medicine is committed to equal opportunity and maximizing our diversity, and thus encourages applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, or persons who represent the first generation in their family to attend college.

Student Selection

The program will accept up to 6 students. AHA-USF selections will be made by the program director and the advisory board.

Selections will be based on scholarship, the personal reference letter and an evaluation of the student's interests. Please be sure to include your personal statement indicating your motivation for a career in research and/or your interest in cardiovascular research.

Stipend

AHA-USF Fellowship awardees will receive $6,000 (prior to taxes) for the summer.

Housing

Housing charges are the intern's responsibility. AHA-USF students invited to participate in the program may elect to live on campus in our housing facilities at an affordable rate. See more information about our housing facilities.

Program Highlights

A variety of career development and scientific research seminars are offered weekly as part of the SURIP, AHA-USF and other undergraduate research programs. In addition to seminars, the career development activities offered can include: a welcome dinner, orientation and laboratory skills boot camp, tours of cardiovascular and clinical laboratories, coffee with sponsors, and a workshop to help prepare your curriculum vitae and personal statement. Each summer's program concludes with the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, where students present their work. See details about seminars and Symposium here.

In addition, the annual one-day program-supported day trip to the NIH Graduate and Professional School Fair in July affords the summer interns the opportunity to prepare for the next step in their careers by exploring educational programs leading to the PhD, MD, DDS, MD/PhD and other graduate and professional degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my reference has submitted a letter of recommendation?

On the left-hand side of the application form in the Application Status section, you will see a line "Reference received." If there is a check symbol to the left of that text, the reference has submitted a letter of recommendation.

Is housing provided?

Yes. There are on-campus, four bedroom, partially furnished apartments that are available for the summer. Interns invited to participate in the program may elect to live on campus in our housing facilities at an affordable rate. See more information about our housing facilities.

What is the stipend?

AHA-USF Fellowship awardees will receive $6,000 (prior to taxes) for the summer.

Are vacations permitted?

No. Vacations are not permitted during the 10-week research experience. All vacations must be taken before or after the program start and end dates. Penn State College of Medicine does recognize the federal Fourth of July holiday.

Can I take classes or work in the evenings during my research experience if it does not interfere with my time or my research?

Students are expected to conduct research full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week) in a supervised laboratory or clinical facility. Participation in outside activities and the establishment of a work schedule must be determined by your research mentor.

What are the start and end dates for the program?

For 2025, AHA-USF begins on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and ends on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Can I apply if I am not a citizen of the United States?

Yes – Students on F1 visas currently attending a college in the United States can apply to AHA-USF.

I am currently a fourth-year student scheduled to graduate at the end of the school year. Am I eligible for AHA-USF?

No, to apply for AHA-USF, you must be between your second and third years or between your third and fourth years of college.

I would like to attend medical school after college – is AHA-USF right for me?

An important criterion for selecting the top candidates for the AHA-USF program is based on the student’s drive to participate in and contribute to cardiovascular research at the College of Medicine that is within the AHA mission. Students should be expected to be immersed in a basic science research lab focused on cardiovascular disease or stroke for the summer. The program allows students to gain critical skills in biomedical research. Students must demonstrate a strong interest in working in a research lab with a focus on cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Is there a minimum GPA to participate in this program?

Students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

Is there a deadline for submission of applications?

Yes, the application deadline is Feb. 15. Partial applications that are not completed by the deadline will not receive further consideration. The AHA-USF application is available online beginning on Dec. 1.

Can I update my application from last year?

No. You will need to reapply and request a new letter from your reference.

How late will you accept applications?

All applications and supporting documents must be received by noon EST (Eastern Standard Time) on Feb. 15. Applicants will not be able to submit an application after the deadline.

Is there a deadline for receipt of my reference letters?

Letters of reference must be submitted electronically by noon on Feb. 15.  Hard (paper) copies of letters will not be accepted.

How do I submit my transcript?

All students must upload an unofficial or official transcript through the online application system on or before Feb. 15.

Does my transcript have to include my fall grades?

Yes. Transcripts must reflect all earned credits and grades through the fall semester of 2024.

How will I be notified if I am selected?

You will be notified by the AHA-USF program director via email. Notifications are typically sent out 1-2 weeks after the review committee meets – usually by early March.

Can I change my reference?

Yes, you may change your reference if a letter of recommendation has not yet been submitted and the application date for your selected program has not yet passed. First, edit the information in the Academic Reference section of the application, then click the Save and Continue button. Then, click the Resend Reference Email link on the left side of the form under Application Steps.

What are the COVID requirements at the College of Medicine campus?

The College of Medicine announced it was implementing a vaccination mandate to comply with the federal order implemented by President Biden. This vaccine mandate would apply to students who are paid by the University. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination with the required pre-arrival immunization paperwork.

Leadership

The program director of AHA-USF is Christopher Yengo, MS, PhD. Dr. Yengo is professor and interim chair of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and is actively involved in cardiovascular disease research and graduate education.

Advisory Board Members

• Christopher Yengo, PhD - Program Director
• Amy Arnold, PhD - Assistant Director
• Elisa Bradley, MD
• Shyam Bansal, PhD