Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University
Drexel University Office of Undergraduate Research

Opportunities

Opportunities at Other Universities

NIST SURF: The National Institute of Standards and Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Amgen Scholars: U.S. Program

NASA USRP: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Undergraduate Summer Research Program

ORISE/ORAU Database

DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE)

U.S. Department of Energy Science Undergraduates Laboratory Internships

NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) in Biomedical Research

Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP)

Think Swiss Research Exchange Program

NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)

NIST SURF: The National Institute of Standards and Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Gaithersburg, MD: http://nist.gov/surfgaithersburg/
Boulder, CO: http://nist.gov/surfboulder/index.cfm
Application Deadline: FEBRUARY 15, 2011

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Gaithersburg, MD Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is available for students majoring in science, mathematics and engineering. These programs require an organizational application from the college/university, not from individual students. Please prepare a single proposal from your institution to the NIST SURF program. This proposal will include a portion completed by an institutional representative and a set of materials provided by each student applicant. Students can participate in any one of the six NIST laboratories:

  • Material Measurement Laboratory
  • Physical Measurement Laboratory
  • Engineering Laboratory
  • Information Technology Laboratory
  • Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology
  • NIST Center for Neutron Research

SURFing is a partnership, supported by NIST, NSF, and the participating colleges/universities. We anticipate providing meaningful research opportunities for approximately 130 students in the Gaithersburg site-wide program. The NIST facilities are located just outside Washington, DC.

The NIST site in Boulder, Colorado, also operates a SURF programs with a distinctly separate application. Students are encouraged to review research opportunities in Boulder, CO. An application for one SURF program does not constitute an application for the other.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
  • Must be an undergraduate at a U.S. university or college with a scientific major.
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or better.
  • Must be interested in pursuing a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.)

Compensation

  • $4,500 stipend
  • Free on-campus housing

Timeline
The SURF Program typically runs from the end of May to the beginning of August; adjustments may be made to accommodate specific academic schedules.

Amgen Scholars: U.S. Program

http://amgenscholars.com/web/guest
Application Deadline: Varies by Location

The Amgen Scholars U.S. Program provides hundreds of selected undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research experience at ten of the nation’s leading educational institutions. As Amgen Scholars, students will have the opportunity to:

  • Take part in important university research projects, gain hands-on lab experience, and contribute to the advancement of science
  • Interact with and receive guidance from faculty mentors, including some of the nation’s top academic scientists
  • Attend scientific seminars, workshops, and other networking events

Students also participate in the Amgen Scholars U.S. Symposium, which is a mid-summer symposium where they hear firsthand from leading scientists in industry and academia. The U.S. symposium is held in California and provides students with a valuable opportunity to network with other Amgen Scholars from across the U.S.

Host universities include:

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student in an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories
  • Must be a sophomore (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors, or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies)
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above
  • Must have an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or an M.D.-Ph.D.

Compensation
Varies by location. See websites for information specific to each host university’s Amgen Scholars program.

Timeline
Varies by location. See websites for information specific to each host university’s Amgen Scholars program.

NASA USRP: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Undergraduate Summer Research Program

http://usrp.usra.edu/
Application Deadline: OCTOBER 11, 2011
[For Spring 2012]

NASA USRP is an internship program that offers NASA research and development opportunities to undergraduate students. USRP internship opportunities give students the ultimate workforce preparatory experience for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). USRP is one of most highly comprehensive internship programs for undergraduate students within the STEM majors. Students work on practical problems that will see real applications in aerospace or on future NASA missions. These immersive NASA opportunities combine scientific research with professional hands-on engineering. A USRP internship will be the first step toward a career at NASA, or within the science and engineering workforce. USRP internship opportunities are offered year round in the Fall, Summer, and Spring.

Eligibility Requirements
NASA is seeking participation from students who represent America’s rich and diverse population. Female and male students of all races, creeds, colors, national origins, ages, and disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in NASA-USRP:

  • U.S. Citizenship. Permanent residents or other visa categories are not accepted. 
  • Classified as a Sophomore, Junior or Senior before the expected commencement of the internship session. 
  • Academic major or demonstrated coursework concentration in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or physical sciences or life sciences. 
  • Demonstrated strong interest/commitment to one of the above career fields or disciplines (e.g., science/math/engineering fairs, clubs, or awards; tutoring/mentoring; internships or other related experience).
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
  • Students that have participated in a past USRP internship may only participate in USRP one time in a given calendar year.

Compensation
For Fall/Spring (15-week) positions: $9,500
For Summer (10-week) positions: $6,500

* Please Note: Stipends are meant to cover costs of housing and food.

Timeline
Spring Session: January – May
Summer Session: June – August
Fall Session: September - December
(For students attending universities that are on the quarter system, winter and spring quarters translate into the USRP spring session.)

ORISE/ORAU Database: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Engineering/Oak Ridge Associated Universities

http://see.orau.org/
http://see.orau.org/AcademicStatus.aspx?type=Undergrad
Application Deadline: Varies by Program

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) institute managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). ORISE addresses national needs by:

  • Assessing and analyzing environmental and health effects of radiation, beryllium and other hazardous materials;
  • Maintaining medical and national security radiation emergency management and response capabilities; and
  • Managing education programs to help ensure a robust supply of scientists, engineers and technicians to meet future science and technology needs.

ORISE creates opportunities for collaboration through partnerships with other DOE facilities, federal agencies, academia and industry in a manner consistent with DOE objectives and the ORISE mission.
In alignment with the mission, ORISE’s capabilities are divided into seven programmatic areas:

ORISE offers a variety of research internships/opportunities for undergraduate students in these program areas. Please use the ORISE website as a resource for finding these varied opportunities.

Eligibility
Varies by program.

Compensation
Varies by program.

Timeline
Varies by program.

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE)

http://www.daad.de/rise/en/
Application Deadline: JANUARY 31, 2012
[For Summer 2012]

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) invites undergraduate students from the US, Canada and the UK in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences and engineering to apply for a summer research internship in Germany. RISE summer placements take place with research groups at universities and top research institutions across Germany. The RISE interns are matched with a doctoral student whom they assist and who will also serve as their mentor. This program is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. RISE placements provide students the opportunity to live and work in an international context, to strengthen their practical and theoretical skills, and to improve their (or begin learning) German. Last but not least, the research internship should be a source of mutual cultural enrichment for both the interns and their hosts.

Eligibility

  • Must be currently enrolled at a university/college in the United States, Canada or the UK as a full-time student in the field of biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences or engineering (or a closely related field)
  • Must be an undergraduate who will have completed at least two (20 years of a degree program by the time of the placement
  • Must prove that you will be registered as an undergraduate at your university/college for the academic year 2012/2013 (i.e., that you will still have undergraduate status upon your return to your home university)

Please Note: German language skills are not required for most positions but would be helpful to manage everyday life outside of the laboratory. The working language will generally be English.

Application Requirements

  • Completed application form 
  • Full curriculum vitae/résumé
  • Up-to-date official university/college transcript(s)   
  • A list of courses you will have completed by the time the internship begins
  • A letter of reference from a senior academic in your field of study from the university you are enrolled at 
  • A cover letter stating motivation to apply for this particular project(s)
  • A certificate of enrollment 

Compensation

  • Monthly Scholarship of 650 euro for a period of 8-12 weeks (pro-rated depending on length of stay) + Allowance of 150 euro for travel within Germany

Please Note: Costs of housing and international travel are NOT covered by DAAD RISE.

Timeline

Register online between 12/6/2011-1/31/2012 to access internship offers submitted by PhD students in Germany

Submit application by 1/31/2012

Notification of accepted applications will go out in 3/2012

Earliest start date for DAAD RISE programs is 5/15/2012. Dates for programs are typically guidelines and may be flexible.  

U.S. Department of Energy Science Undergraduates Laboratory Internships (SULI)

http://science.energy.gov/wdts/suli/
Application Deadlines:
Spring 2012: NOVEMBER 30, 2011
Summer 2012: JANUARY 10, 2012

The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Intership (SULI) program encourages undergraduate students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research experiences at the Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories. Selected students participate as interns appointed at one of 17 DOE National Laboratories. They perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects related to ongoing programs.

The SULI program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in collaboration with the DOE National Laboratories.

Eligibility

    • Must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited institution, including community college.
    • Must have completed at least one (1) year as a matriculating undergraduate student at the time of application

Please Note: Applicants who will complete their undergraduate degree prior to beginning their internship may apply as a “Graduating Senior” under the following caveats: (1) if the applicant has not yet started a program of graduate study and will not matriculate as a graduate student prior to completing the SULI term and (2) if the time period between receipt of an undergraduate degree and the beginning of the SULI term is less than one year.

    • Must have an undergraduate cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • Must be 18 years or older by the beginning of the SULI term.
    • Must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien at the time of applying. Proof of US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Alien status will be requested upon acceptance of internship offer.
    • Must have earned a high school diploma or a GED equivalent at the time of applying. Proof of an earned diploma or GED should be provided on applicant’s transcripts.
    • Applicants are limited to participation in SULI to no more than two (2) internships.
    • Applicants can apply to the SULI program a maximum of three (3) times.

Compensation

  • Selected students receive a stipend of $425 per week during the internship period.
  • Selected students are reimbursed for one round-trip domestic travel to the host laboratory (if permanent address if more than 50 miles from the host laboratory).
  • Housing opportunities vary by location; an allowance is available for interns placed at host laboratories unable to offer housing arrangements.

Timeline

  • Spring term: January through May (16 weeks)
  • Summer term: May through August (10 weeks)
  • Fall term: August through December (16 weeks)

National Institute of Health Summer Internship Program (NIH SIP) in Biomedical Research

https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/sip
Application Deadline: MARCH 1, 2012
[For Summer 2012]

Summer programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an opportunity to spend a summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. The NIH consists of the 240-bed Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center and more than 1200 laboratories/research projects located on the main campus in Bethesda, MD and the surrounding area as well as in Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Phoenix, AZ; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Detroit, MI.

Awards cover a minimum of eight weeks, with students generally arriving at the NIH in May or June. The NIH Institutes and the Office of Intramural Training & Education sponsor a wide range of summer activities including lectures featuring distinguished NIH investigators, career/professional development workshops, and Summer Poster Day.

Eligibility

    • Must be 16 years of age or older at the start of the program.
    • Must be currently enrolled at least half-time in high school or an accredited U.S. college or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student.
    • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Application Requirements
The online application requires submission of the following:

    • A curriculum vitae/resume
    • A list of coursework and grades (no official transcripts necessary at time of application)
    • A cover letter describing research interests and career goals
    • Names and contact information for two (2) references

Please Note: Applicants may also specify the scientific methodologies or disease/organ systems that interest them.

Compensation
Stipends are adjusted yearly and are based on prior experience. More information on stipends is available online.

Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP)

http://nreip.asee.org/
Application Deadline: JANUARY 6, 2012
[For Summer 2012]

The Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP), provides an opportunity for students to
participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer.
The goals of the NREIP are to encourage participating students to pursue science and
engineering careers, to further education via mentoring by laboratory personnel and their
participation in research, and to make them aware of DoN research and technology efforts,
which can lead to employment within the DoN.
NREIP provides competitive research internships to approximately 238 college students (174
undergraduate students and 64 graduate students) each year. Participating students typically
spend ten weeks during the summer doing research at approximately 19 DoN laboratories. To
participate, a student must be enrolled at an accredited 4 year US college or university and
have completed their freshman year before beginning the internship.

Eligibility

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen. Dual citizens accepted ONLY at Naval Research Laboratories.
  • Must be a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student to apply. Freshmen may apply
    ONLY if they have achieved sophomore status prior to starting at the lab.
  • Should have a major relevant to research interests of the laboratories.
    Please Note: Students graduating in Spring 2012 are eligible to apply.

Compensation

Stipends are paid monthly (May-August) and vary as follows:

  • Sophomores receive $5,250 stipend
  • Juniors and Seniors receive $7,880 stipend
  • Graduate students receive $10,500 stipend

Please Note: Students enrolled in a BS/MS program will be eligible for the graduate stipend when
they have been accepted into the dual degree program and have earned enough credits
equivalent to a BS degree.

Please Note: Housing is not included in the compensation.

Timeline
Start dates vary by location. The earliest start date will be the first week in May.

ThinkSwiss Research Exchange Program

http://www.thinkswiss.org/us-swiss-exchange/research-scholarship
Application Deadline: MARCH 31, 2012
[For Summer 2012]

ThinkSwiss is an official program of the Swiss Confederation – promoting exchanges and sharing
knowledge between the U.S. and Switzerland. ThinkSwiss offers scholarships for a research stay in
Switzerland. It supports highly motivated and qualified U.S. undergraduate and graduate
students to do research at a public Swiss university or research institute for 2-3 months. The
scholarship is open to students of all fields.

By accepting the scholarship, students agree to participate in a blog to share experiences
during their research stay in Switzerland. After returning to the U.S., ThinkSwiss scholars also agree
to carry out at least one activity as student "ambassadors" to promote Swiss research.

Eligibility

  • Must be currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. university/college
  • Must be a graduate student or an undergraduate student who will have completed
    sophomore year by the time the research stay in Switzerland begins
  • Must provide a written confirmation from a professor at a Swiss university that he/she will
    accept you for a research stay in his/her group
  • Must provide proof of insurance coverage that will be applicable while living and
    studying in Switzerland
  • German, French, or Italian language skills are not required but would be helpful in
    navigating daily life while in Switzerland. Working language will generally be English.

Compensation

  • Monthly scholarship of CHF 1,050 (Swiss francs)/approximately $1,000 for a period of 2-3
    months. Half of this scholarship will be paid
    Please Note: This stipend will cover approximately 2/3 of the average student's living costs.
    Compensation does not cover costs of travel, housing, or health, accident, or liability insurance.

Application Requirements

  • Cover letter, including information about your educational and professional
    background, goals for your research stay in Switzerland, why you have chosen that
    particular Swiss university, give one reason why you would make an excellent student
    "ambassador" and suggest an activity with which you could promote Swiss research at
    your U.S. university
  • Résumé
  • Letter of acceptance by a professor at a Swiss university into his/her research group
  • A current official university/college transcript
  • A letter of reference from a senior academic in your field of study

Timeline

ThinkSwiss Scholars are able to schedule their research stay for any time during the 2011-2012
academic year.

 

National Science Foundation Research Experiences for
Undergraduates

http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research
participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National
Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research
programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. This solicitation
features two mechanisms for support of student research:

(1) REU Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct projects that engage
a number of students in research. REU Sites may be based in a single discipline or academic
department, or on interdisciplinary or multi-department research opportunities with a coherent
intellectual theme. Proposals with an international dimension are welcome. A partnership with
the Department of Defense supports REU Sites in DoD-relevant research areas.

(2) REU Supplements may be requested for ongoing NSF-funded research projects or may be
included as a component of proposals for new or renewal NSF grants or cooperative
agreements.

Students may not apply to NSF to participate in REU activities. Students apply directly to REU Sites
and should consult the online directory of active REU Sites.

Eligibility

  • Must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
  • Other eligibility requirements vary by REU site.

Compensation
Varies by location.

Application Requirements
Varies by location.

Timeline
Varies by location.