summer research training program

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UCLA Graduate Programs

Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

Program purpose.

The UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) offer upper division undergraduate students with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects.  The programs are designed for students who wish to learn more about the graduate school experience and possibly pursue an academic career in teaching and research.  Opportunities are available in virtually all academic fields (e.g., arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, health sciences, physical sciences, etc.).

Student participants in many SPUR programs will work with a faculty mentor with special expertise and interests matched, as closely as possible, to the student’s research interests and career goals. Most, but not all, SPUR programs pair students with a faculty mentor.  Students will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.

Most SPUR programs feature seminars on:

• writing and research skills
• strategies for enhancing success in applying to graduate school
• graduate school funding opportunities
• opportunities for informal discussion with UCLA graduate students
• academic career opportunities
• cultural and educational activities

For further details about specific programs, please refer to the  UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet .

As a condition of acceptance into the program, program participants will be asked after their departure to update information on their educational and career activities. This tracking is done solely to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. It is critical that we be able to conduct this long-term evaluation in order to maintain continuing funding for the programs. The information collected remains strictly confidential.

Please check with your respective summer program of interest about whether it will be conducted remotely or in-person.

2025 Program Dates

Most programs run eight weeks, from June 2025 to August 2025. Some programs in the sciences, technological, engineering and mathematics fields run 10 weeks, from June 2025 to September 2025.  One program in the humanities and social sciences runs six weeks, from June 2025 to August 2025.

The tentative dates for SPUR 2025 are June 23 to August 19 (8-week programs) and June 23 to August 29 (10-week programs).

All application materials and supporting documents must be  received by March 31, 2025 unless otherwise stated in the program description. Preference will be given to applications that are completed by the program’s deadline. Notification of decisions will be made by the end of May 2025.  Please contact the individual program coordinators for questions regarding the application and application deadline.

Programs interested in being added to the those included in SPUR (or those on hiatus and seeking to resume inclusion) must reach out to RaShawna Williams, SPUR Program Representative, at  [email protected] by March 31, 2025. We do our best to include all requests, but cannot guarantee participation.

Participating Programs

There are multiple programs participating with UCLA SPUR. Below are brief summaries of each program. The summaries include the specific program components, eligibility requirements and length of the summer program. Please view the  chart of participating summer programs at UCLA  for a quick reference of programs and their related academic fields.

Please click on the links to learn about each program. You will be able to apply to a maximum of two (first choice and second choice) in our online application.

Amgen Scholars Program

Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

The Amgen Scholars Program is a national program to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a career in science or engineering. Students interested in summer research in any area of biomedical science, chemistry, bioengineering or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply. Students will be paired with a UCLA faculty mentor if the student does not already have one. Program typically includes stipend; housing; meals; 2-day biotechnology conference in Los Angeles; luncheons with faculty; workshops; seminars and poster presentations.

• For undergraduates enrolled in four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.
• For sophomores (with 4 quarters or 3 semesters of college experience), juniors and non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue their undergraduate experience).
• Must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or above.
• Must be interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
• 10 weeks (all participants must be able to attend the program for its entire duration. Be sure to check your fall term start date before applying).
• Open to Biochemistry; Bioengineering; Bioinformatics; Biopsychology; Biotechnology; Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering; Chemistry; Immunology; Medical Pharmacology; Microbiology; Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology; Molecular Genetics; Molecular Medicine; Molecular Pharmacology; Neurobiology; Neuroscience; Pathology; Physiological Psychology; Physiological Science; Statistics; Toxicology Majors/Programs.
• If you have questions, please contact Kim Mendez at [email protected].

Bioscience Scholars Program

Application Deadline: TBD

The Bioscience Scholars Program (formerly known as SPUR LABS) provides a rigorous eight or ten-week research training experience for undergraduates with interests in a broad range of bioscience disciplines– —from molecules to organisms and from basic to translational science. Exceptional research training, integrated with professional development activities, will prepare students to succeed in leading Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs. The program aims to contribute to diversity, inclusion, and the elimination of barriers to participation in bioscience research careers and is designed for students participating in honors research programs that foster transition to doctoral programs (e.g., Minority Access to Research Careers, MARC). Participants receive a stipend & food allowance of $4,000 for 8 weeks or $5,000 for 10 weeks. Participants will be matched with an appropriate faculty member based on research interests. There are over 400 faculty mentors in ten bioscience research areas.

A complete application includes the submission of the online application form as well as all supplementary materials, including two letters of recommendation and a personal statement that describes your bioscience research interests and any research experience, including how these interests and experiences have shaped your personal and professional goals, and how Bioscience Scholars Program would help you meet these goals. See Bioscience Scholars Program website for full details of supplementary application materials.

Selection criteria: academic preparation and achievement; leadership potential; relevance of research interests and experience; potential for the program to help the applicant achieve his/her career goals; and potential to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the bioscience research enterprise.

• U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or AB 540
• Prior to beginning the program, completion of at least two years of undergraduate study
• Participants may not be UCLA students; UCLA students should consider other summer research opportunities such as CARE SEM or Amgen Scholars
• Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0
• Intention to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in a bioscience field and not admitted or enrolled in a graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) at the time the program begins

For additional information see Bioscience Scholars Program website or contact the Program Directors, Drs. Gregory Payne and Diana Azurdia at [email protected] .

B.I.G. Summer (Bruins In Genomics) 8-week Summer Research Program for Masters and Undergraduate Students

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Bruins-in-Genomics (B.I.G. Summer) is an 8-week full-time immersion program for undergraduates interested in learning how to read and analyze genes and genomes. Through this program students will have the opportunity to experience graduate-level coursework, and learn the latest cutting-edge research, tools and methods used by leading scientists to solve real-world problems.

Applicants must be:

• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be a rising junior or senior
• have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• have some familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g. python, pearl, R, Java, MAT-LAB, C++, etc.); preferably have taken bioinformatics or biostatistics courses

Students interested in applying should only do so here.

For more information:

Email: [email protected]

Brain Research Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BRI-SURE)

Application Deadline: January 22, 2025

*Faculty recommenders may submit letters of support until February 12, 2025.

The UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI) sponsors a summer undergraduate research experience (BRI-SURE) pathway program for students currently participating in the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) and other honors research programs whose goal is to increase diversity. This program solicits applications from students from universities and colleges across the nation. BRI-SURE Pathway is an 8-week, intensive summer research-training program for exceptional students interested in pursuing research careers in Neuroscience or Physiology. The program is designed to provide a rigorous, in-depth research experience to prepare participants for top-quality Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. graduate programs. The BRI-SURE program offers a summer stipend. Applicants must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program is open to rising juniors and seniors and current CSU/HBCU/MARCH Students.

Applicants must submit the following:

(1) UCLA SPUR online application form,

(2) academic transcript,

(3) personal statement (limit to 1000 words) that describes your past, present or future leadership in and commitment to research and diversity in science,

(4) summary of prior research, if any (limit to 1000 words),

(5) two letters of recommendation from science faculty, and

(6) paragraph (500 words or less) summarizing your interest in neuroscience or physiology;

In a separate file, applicants need to rank — in order of preference — their top three research training areas: Neuroendocrinology, Sex Differences, and Reproduction; Neural Repair; Neural Microcircuits; Neurobehavioral Genetics; Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology; or Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology; Submit additional application materials directly to Ethan Snook at [email protected].

To learn more about how to apply to this program, please contact Dr. Ketema Paul (Program Director) at [email protected].

California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Contact the program representative for your campus’ CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program

This program is restricted to undergraduate and master’s-level students in the California State University Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program. The Program is designed to increase the pool of potential university faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Each of the selected CSU Sally Casanova pre-doctoral scholars works closely during the academic year with a CSU faculty sponsor to develop an overall plan leading ultimately to enrollment in a doctoral program. Each of these plans is tailored to specific goals and educational objectives of the student. The Program places special emphasis on increasing the number of CSU students who enter doctoral programs at one of the University of California institutions. Summer Program includes: stipend, on-campus housing or housing allowance, meal allowance, funds toward roundtrip transportation cost, GRE test preparation, workshops and oral presentations.

• Open to all current CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars, both graduate and undergraduate.
• 8 week program.
• CSU Scholars complete only the UCLA SPUR online application after they have approval from the UCLA SPUR Coordinator; do not submit supplemental materials.
• To become a CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar, please contact the program representative on your CSU campus.

Community College Field Biology Alliance

This is an 8-month research internship designed for community college students. Student interns are assigned a graduate and undergraduate research mentor and meet remotely on the first Saturday of each month from May to June to design a field biology-based research project. In July we travel as a group to a remote field station for 7 days to enact the planned intern research projects. The program culminates with student research presentations in December.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Full-time community college student.
• Interest in environmental science, ecology, animal behavior, botany, and similar fields.
• Ability to attend all monthly meetings and field excursion (all expenses covered by the program).

For more information and to apply, please visit the Community College Field Biology Alliance website . If you have any questions, please email them Amanda Robin (Program Director) at [email protected].

Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC)

The Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC) program is a partnership between University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). The program starts with a ten-week summer research program at UCLA, AND extends into a year-long continuum. The goal of CIRC is to provide community college students underrepresented​ in medicine and science (UIMS), such as African American, Latinx, Native American, Pacific​ Islander, disabled and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, with hands-on exposure and training in scientific research aligned with the scientific mission of the NHLBI.

The CIRC program will provide these community college students with educational workshops, near-peer mentoring, and skills to help them transfer to a 4-year college or university and ultimately be prepared to pursue a health profession or scientific research career.

• A current high school senior who has taken at least a semester of community college classes and plans on transferring to a community college in the Fall,
• OR Current community college student attending a community college in Los Angeles County (Must have at least a year of classes to complete before transferring to a four-year college or university) attending a community college in Los Angeles County
• Qualify as a student from an underrepresented group as defined by either A OR B:

A) Identify as a member of one of the following racial/ethnic groups:

• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latinx
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

B) Have a disadvantaged family background, defined as either 1 OR 2 below :

• having been or currently being homeless, were or currently are in the foster care system, were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years, have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree (e.g., “First-Generation”),
• were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants, received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children coming from an educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that has demonstrably and directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career.

C) US citizen or permanent resident

D) Have taken at least one college course in the general domains listed below and have composite grade point average of 3.2 or above in this coursework:

• Oral Communication
• Written Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning.
• Must be able to attend the entire duration of the program.

To learn more information please visit the program website or email Humberto Sanchez, BA, Program manager CDU, [email protected] .

The Diversity Project

Application Deadline: January 15, 2025

The Diversity Project is a 10-week* research-intensive summer program funded by the UC-HBCU initiative and the National Science Foundation focused on increasing participation of underrepresented minority students in marine and evolutionary biology. Through fieldwork and laboratory training, students will learn an integrative approach towards the study of the ecology and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems at the Gump South Pacific Research Station on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia.  TDP complements student-centered fieldwork and laboratory research with mentoring on career development, ranging from successfully applying to graduate school to choosing a career. TDP faculty also work with students to publish their research and to present their work at national and international meetings. Some funding dedicated to students from Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). *Note: This year’s program begins Monday, June 5, 2025.

Requirements:

• Current sophomore or junior standing, or non-graduating seniors
• Great attitude and willingness to learn SCUBA diving

To learn more information please see program website .  To request The Diversity Project application, please contact Program Director, Dr. Paul Barber ( [email protected] ).

HBCU: Evolutionary Medicine – Pathways to PhDs

The HBCU: Evolutionary Medicine-Pathways to PhDs program is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors from HBCUs.  Participants will work on Evolutionary Medicine topics at UCLA.  Evolutionary Medicine is the study of how evolutionary and ecological principles affect medicine and medical applications, and how medical and clinical problems generate new research questions and ideas in evolution.  Evolutionary medicine is fast emerging as an important new field in the biomedical sciences.  Representing an interdisciplinary subject that combines ecology and evolutionary biology, anthropology, psychology, zoology, systems biology and microbiology with medicine, the field of evolutionary medicine has the potential to transform the way biomedical researches and doctors examine medical questions, conduct biomedical research, and treat patience.  Summer interns will work closely with a principal investigator (PI) from UCLA’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department and a PI from the David Geffen School of Medicine.  Application requirements:

• Undergraduate juniors and seniors from HBCUs to work on Evolutionary Medicine topics at UCLA.
• Send all application materials to Dr. Pamela Yeh at [email protected]

Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) U*STAR Program

The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) U*STAR Program is a two-year, NIH-funded, undergraduate honors program that seeks to increase the number of biomedical scientists from diverse backgrounds that significantly impact health-related research. The program specifically seeks to strengthen the skills and research training of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. This program is appropriate for students interested in pursuing a PhD or dual PhD degree upon completion of their baccalaureate degree.

The MARC Program offers research training, financial support, mentoring, networking opportunities and academic preparation for strong and motivated students. The UCLA MARC program is one of the longest-standing MARC programs at Research I universities across the nation, and graduates from the program have embarked on highly successful careers.

• 3.2 GPA at the time of application; borderline GPAs also encouraged to apply
• Junior or senior standing (completed 90 or more units) by the time that the student will begin as a MARC trainee, AND have two years remaining at UCLA at the start of the program
• Citizen or permanent resident of the United States

To learn more about eligibility, program requirements, and scholarship/funding please refer to the MARC website . Additionally, the online application and other details about the application process will be hosted on the MARC website . For any additional questions, please contact Larone Ellison ( [email protected] ).

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Writing and Research Training Program

Application deadline: April 7th, 2025

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Writing and Research Training Program at UCLA is an intensive writing and research program for 20 current Mellon Mays Fellows from participating Mellon Mays colleges and universities. Fellows participate in a rigorous scholarly writing and research methodology course, individual and group mentoring sessions, workshops, events, and a final research colloquium. The program also includes on-campus housing and a meal allowance.

• Applicants must be current Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellows at their colleges or universities
• For rising juniors (first-year MMUF students) or seniors (second-year MMUF students)
• Please note that students will NOT be paired directly with a faculty mentor but will take an intensive writing and research course.  Students will NOT take a GRE preparation course as part of the program.
• Admission to the program is rolling; applicants are advised to apply early due to limited space.  Applications will be considered after the deadline only if space is available.
• A complete application includes the submission of the online application form, as well as a brief research statement, a description of summer research goals, and a statement from the student’s MMUF coordinator. See the program website for full details of supplementary application materials.

To learn more about this program, please visit the program website or contact the Undergraduate Research Center– Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at [email protected] .

Summer Training for Excellence in Education Research (STEER)

Application Deadline:  TBD

The Summer Training for Excellence in Education Research (STEER) program has been a successful staple of the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies (GSE&IS) at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Through participation in the program, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students and faculty, and GSE&IS faculty share in a research apprenticeship experience that has contributed to STEER students’ admittance to some of our nation’s finest graduate programs including the UC system. In the proposed effort, our aims are to continue to: (1) Develop relationships between the UCs and HBCUs, (2) Prepare students for UC graduate application, and (3) Prepare and mentor a cohort of tremendously talented students to conduct educational research in competitive UC programs and beyond.

All applicants must refer to the STEER website for the most up-to-date information regarding the application process.  Additionally, the online application and other details about the application process will be hosted on the STEER website.

• Eligibility is extended to upperclassmen and recent undergraduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Open to all disciplines, however training will be in Education research.  Applicants are expected to be seriously interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Education.
• Major GPA of 3.0

For additional information, see STEER program website or contact the Program Coordinator, Brande M.Otis, at [email protected] .  The Program Co-Directors are Dr. Robert Cooper and Dr. Kimberley Gomez.

University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS) 2nd Summer

This program is restricted to current University of California undergraduate students in the UC system-wide UC LEADS Program. In line with the goals of the two-year program, the 2nd summer research program seeks to develop the students by providing research and educational experiences to further prepare them to assume positions of leadership in academia, industry, government and public service. UC LEADS students who are considering UCLA for graduate studies/PhD should seriously consider applying to UCLA’s summer program as a way to familiarize themselves with the campus and to network with potential mentors. The UCLA UC LEADS Summer Program includes: GRE test preparation, workshops and seminars, and the opportunity to present summer research findings at the end of summer symposium/poster session.

• Academic Level: Open to 2nd-Summer UC LEADS students (those from other UC campuses who have completed their first year in the program).
• Open to Depts/Disciplines: Open to all departments and disciplines in Science, Engineering & Math.
• It is the UC LEADS scholar’s responsibility to secure a commitment from the UCLA faculty host BEFORE applying to the program. Questions about the process should be addressed to the student’s UC CAMPUS UC LEADS Coordinator.
• UC LEADS Scholars complete only the UCLA SPUR online application after they have summer placement confirmation from the UCLA UC LEADS Coordinator. Scholars do NOT need to submit supplemental materials with their applications.

UCLA-HSI Superior Opportunities for Maximizing Access to Neuroscience (SOMA)

The UCLA-HSI Superior Opportunities to Maximizing Access (SOMA) to Neuroscience program supports a deeper Hispanic/LatinX participation in neuroscience, and ultimately the pursuit of a neuroscience doctoral degree. Each summer, we will select and invite a small group of interested students (3-7 students annually) from our partnering Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) for an 8-week summer immersive, in-person experience at UCLA to do research in a host laboratory. Open to undergraduate students.

The requirements for acceptance into the program include:

• Must be an undergraduate student at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) institution.
• Rising Juniors and Seniors
• A major in one of the natural sciences, including Psychology
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Academic transcript
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two letters of recommendation from science faculty
• Summary of prior research, if any (500 words or less)
• Summary of interest in neuroscience (1000 words or less)

Program website: https://bri.ucla.edu/undergraduate-summer-research-programs/uc-hsi-soma-summer To learn more about this program, please visit the website or contact Dr. Alicia Izquierdo (Program Director) at [email protected].

UCLA-HBCU Neuroscience Pathways Program

The UCLA-HBCU Neuroscience Pathways program is open to undergraduate students that attend historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. The goals of this program are: 1) to increase the impact on students and faculty at both HBCU partner institutions and UCLA and, 2) to incentivize quality mentorship of the interns in our UCLA host labs. We will engage in active research and teaching partnerships that accompany students before and beyond the 8-week internship at UCLA.

A group of interested students — selected jointly by the HBCU partner institutions and UCLA — will be invited to spend 8 weeks at UCLA doing research in an appropriate host laboratory. Ideally, the research at UCLA will be commensurate with the experience at the HBCU partner institution. We will engage in active research and teaching partnerships that accompany students before and beyond the 8-week internship at UCLA of mentorship in the lab. Interns will be mentored and trained by the faculty members who run the respective labs. Additionally, we will host one “chaperone” HBCU faculty member per year to accompany the student for the first week of the internship, which is intended to foster both scientific collaboration and quality mentoring. To incentivize graduate studies at UCLA for HBCU interns, the BRI will offer a full 5-year stipend (annually) for at least one student who applies for, and is accepted, by the NSIDP (graduate program in neuroscience). Furthermore, we will conduct outcome studies and publish them in a peer-reviewed journal, similar to other BRI outreach efforts. In short, we will take an innovative and holistic approach by providing not only a summer opportunity, but by following the student before and after through online tools.

• 8-week program
• Open to rising Juniors or Seniors
• Open to undergraduate students attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States
• Applicants must submit the following: 1) UCLA SPUR Online application form
• 2) Letters of Intent due by Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Please send to Ethan Snook at [email protected]

Program website: https://bri.ucla.edu/hbcu-summer

To learn more about this program, please contact Dr. Hakeem Lawal (Program Director) at [email protected] and Ethan Snook (Program Coordinator) at [email protected].

UCLA Neuroscience Scholars Program (NeuroScholars)

The UCLA Neuroscience Scholars program is a 10-week intensive summer research training experience for exceptional UCLA sophomore and junior undergraduates that are committed to pursuing a graduate degree in neuroscience. Neuroscience Scholars will be paired with a UCLA faculty mentor based on their research interests. Students will conduct discovery research in the laboratories of their faculty mentors. The program also includes: on-campus housing, $5000 stipend, journal clubs, lunches with faculty, career development workshops, seminars, and poster presentations.

• For sophomore and junior undergraduates in Neuroscience, Physiological Sciences, Psychobiology and other neurobiology-related fields.
• Must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or above
• Must be able to devote full-time effort over the entire duration of the 10 week program
• Previous research experience is preferred
• Applicants must submit must submit 1) UCLA SPUR online application, 2) personal statement summarizing your neuroscience research interests (limit 1000 words), 3) list of 3-5 neuroscience faculty mentors that you would like to work with, 3) summary of prior research, if any (limit 1000 words), 4) two letters of recommendation from science faculty, 5) resume/CV, 6) academic transcript

To learn more about this program, please contact Program Directors Dr. Jeff Donlea & Dr. Elaine Hsiao;  [email protected]

UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program

Application deadline: TBD

The UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore the field of public health through hands-on training, structured workshops, group excursions, and leadership and professional development. Located in Los Angeles, the program offers scholars the opportunity to train at UCLA, to explore public health in one of the most diverse counties in the US, and to experience the city’s vibrant culture. We work with community The UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore the field of public health through hands-on training, structured workshops, group excursions, and leadership and professional development. Located in Los Angeles, the program offers scholars the opportunity to train at UCLA, to explore public health in one of the most diverse counties in the US, and to experience the city’s vibrant culture. We work with community-based organizations, health systems, and government agencies to offer field placement opportunities for scholars that focus on health equity.

• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident (DACA recipients eligible) Must attend an institution in the U.S. or in a US territory.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Must possess an interest in exploring a career in the field of public health by the start of the program
• Applicants must be: Community college graduates or transfers to four-year institutions OR In a four-year institution and have completed at least two years of undergraduate education (regardless of credit standing) by the start of the program OR Recent college graduates (Fall or Winter 2024 or Spring 2024) who have not enrolled in a graduate program by the start of the program.
• Interest in exploring a career in the field of public health
• Open to all majors/disciplines
• Ability to be present in LA and participate in program activities from June 21 – August 14, 2024
• Willingness to attend social and volunteer events on evenings and occasional weekends
• Willingness to stay engaged with program for alumni tracking, professional development opportunities, maintaining contact with cohort, and participate in recruitment for the 2025 cohort
• Successful submission of all application materials
• There is no GPA requirement

Additional criteria outlined in the application and website. For questions, please contact [email protected] .

Diversity in Vision Science Undergraduate Summer Research Program

Application deadline: February 15, 2025

This research experience is a full-time, 8-week immersive research experience in vision science at the Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). This program is designed to increase the diversity of undergraduates in vision science through dedicated faculty mentorship, hands-on research training/interactive learning, and career development opportunities. The program is open to undergraduate students with disadvantages backgrounds in the Greater Los Angeles Area in 2024.

Students will have the opportunity to learn and work on an original research project in laboratories with research focuses including but not limited to:

1. Understanding of vision and ophthalmology research and their importance in advancing the understanding of the visual pathways, developing novel therapeutic in various eye diseases, including glaucoma, degenerative retinal disorders, and corneal diseases.

2. Understanding the use of various state of art technology in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine in ophthalmology.

Students learn how to be a scientist in weekly lab meetings and will have the opportunity to present their findings at a UCLA scientific poster session as well as at their home institution. Additionally, students will engage in social activities and career development workshops with other summer research students on UCLA campus, thereby expanding their science community and faculty/peer network.

• Express an intention to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. (or other professional joint degree) in a bioscience field.
• Rising undergraduate junior or senior.
• Should not admitted or enrolled in a graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) at the time the program begins.
• Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0. preferred
• Reside in the Los Angeles area.
• Open to all life science majors.

To apply to the program, please send the following to [email protected] :

• Transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• Personal statement: up to 1 page providing your interests in vision research and how your participation can add to diversity to vision research.
• Two brief letters of support (Professors can send these directly to [email protected]).

For questions or additional information, please contact [email protected].

For Further Information Contact

Please contact the Program Director of the individual summer program. Contact information for each of the SPUR programs can be found in the program description.

You may also contact the Diversity, Inclusion, and Admissions office at [email protected] .  You may also find program information in the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet .

How To Apply

You must submit an Online Application & Support Materials . Please make sure you submit a complete application by sending all pertinent supporting materials via mail or private carrier.

Additional Opportunities

Other Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research at UCLA.

INSIGHT: Summer Research Program

Join students from across the country this summer for an unparalleled research internship experience..

HIPRC’s Summer Research Program (INSIGHT)  is an intensive, eight-week summer internship for undergraduate students, graduate students and first-year medical students. Applications are open from mid-November to early-January for the coming summer. INSIGHT provides paid research experience and mentorship for students who are interested in injury and violence prevention research. Participants are matched to research projects and partnered with health sciences faculty from across the University of Washington and work alongside peers and health professionals from an array of disciplines. Past research areas include elucidating the risk factors and causes of injuries, injury and violence prevention strategies, acute and chronic care of injured patients, outcomes from trauma, and interventions to return the injured individual to their full potential. The INSIGHT program is supported by The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development ( NICHD ).

For high school students, we offer a four-week summer program designed to introduce students to medicine, public health and research. For more information on the high school program, visit the INSIGHT High School Page .

For 2025, the INSIGHT Program for graduate and undergraduate students will be virtual, with an in-person end of program symposium. 

Applications are now open through January 20, 2025. APPLY HERE > >

• Advisory Board
• Testimonials

Graduate/Undergraduate Program Components:

• Students must be able to commit to this entire eight-week period in order to participate
• If you believe you have a hardship that precludes you from attending the in-person symposium, but still wish to apply, please contact [email protected] . This will not impact your selection to the program. Please visit our INSIGHT FAQ if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply.
• Application window opens November 18, 2024 and will close January 20, 2025
• Program includes rigorous independent research
• Professional development seminars
• Injury and violence prevention research seminars
• Student research presentations during end of program symposium
• Stipend of $3,200

Applications for the 2025 INSIGHT Summer Research Program for undergraduate, graduate and first-year medical students are now open ! Apply here > > ( bit.ly/UWINSIGHT25 )

Application Process:

• Your current GPA, academic status and expected graduation date.
• Short-essay responses to 2025 INSIGHT Essay Questions
• Notification of acceptances will be distributed in *early April.

* Students must be able to provide a physical copy of their Social Security card and necessary Form-I-9 Documents .

If you have questions that are not addressed on the website or our FAQ , please email us at: [email protected]

Requirements & Logistics:

• Applicants must be a U.S citizen or permanent resident and are eligible to work in the U.S or hold a valid student visa or have DACA status. (See FAQ’s for required documents)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required (must be ≥ 3.0).
• Current undergraduates are eligible.  Preference is given to students who will graduate in Spring 2026, or who will be juniors and seniors in Fall 2025.
• Must be able to commit to all eight weeks of the program on a full-time schedule.

Medical/Graduate Eligibility Requirements:

The INSIGHT Summer Research Program accepts students as follows:

• Current graduate students or students entering a graduate program in Fall 2025 are given preference.
• Current 1st year Medical students, or students entering medical school in Fall 2025 are given preference.

Please visit our INSIGHT FAQ if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply.

Graduate/Undergraduate Program Logistics:

Dates : June 16 – August 8, 2025

Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Monday through Friday.

Location* :   The Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center is located in the Patricia Bracelin Steel Memorial Building at 401 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122.  This is also the location of all scheduled seminars and workshops.

*For 2025: The INSIGHT Program will be virtual, with an in-person end of program symposium. Upon acceptance, all students in the program are expected to attend these events, and participants will be responsible for their own travel arrangements, accommodations, and other related expenses.

Do we get to choose our mentor and/or research project? How does this work?

The range of projects we have each summer are dependent on a number of factors such as availability of mentors and timelines for completion. Additionally, some projects have specific requirements such as having a statistical background. We strongly consider primary research interests of students, but ultimately make a best fit determination once we have determined our cohort of students which takes all these factors into consideration. Therefore, we invite you to look at our recent research projects and explain your specific research interests and/or skill set in our application. Accepted students will be informed of their research project and mentor prior to the start of the summer program.

Mentors include health sciences faculty from across the University of Washington, including medicine, public health, nursing, law and other disciplines.

Do I have to attend the in-person symposium August 1st & 2nd in Seattle?

Yes, you must be able to attend the in-person events.

Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements, accommodations, and other related expenses. If you believe you have a hardship that precludes you from attending the in-person symposium, but still wish to apply, please contact [email protected]. This will not impact your selection to the program. 

If I am a current undergraduate freshman, am I eligible to apply?

Yes, however, we give preference to undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year in Fall 2025, and students graduating in Spring 2026.

If I am a current postbaccalaureate student, am I eligible to apply?

I am graduating in spring 2025, but have no immediate plans to attend graduate or medical school in the fall of 2025. may i apply.

Yes, you are eligible to apply.

If I am not a current student, and I have no plans to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program in Fall 2025 may I apply?

To be eligible, you must either be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate program in Fall 2025.  If you are not in either group, you are not eligible for the INSIGHT program.

I am not a US citizen, nor a green card holder, but I currently attend a college or university in the US. Am I eligible to participate in INSIGHT?

Yes, you are eligible to participate if you are attending an accredited 2 or 4 year college or university on a student visa, or are a student with DACA status. Students must be able to provide a physical copy of their Social Security card and necessary Form-I-9 Documents .

If submitted my application, may I send additional supporting materials, or an updated transcript?

The INSIGHT committee will notify you, if your transcripts are required for the final selection process.

If I do not have prior research experience, may I still apply?

Prior research experience is not required.  However, strong candidates should be able to articulate their interests in the INSIGHT program and have demonstrated strong academic performance in the STEM fields.  Similarly, having a STEM field major is not required.

Is there a minimum GPA required?

The application review is holistic in nature and consideration is given to all parts of a student’s application including personal statement of interest/background and academic trajectory.  Grade point averages are just one of the many factors included in the overall evaluation of a student’s application, but a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, must be ≥ 3.0.

My school does not have grades, or is on a pass/fail system. What transcript should I include? How should I indicate the GPA since I don’t have one?

If this situation applies to you the INSIGHT committee will notify you, if your transcripts are required for the final selection process.

I have attended multiple schools in the past and thus have multiple transcripts. Which should I send?

We will notify you if your transcripts are required for the final selection process.

I have a background in a field other than one in the STEM fields—am I still a good candidate for this program?

While having a STEM field major can be helpful in preparing you for internship program such as INSIGHT, it is not required. INSIGHT is made up of a cohort of students with a diverse array of backgrounds and interests. However, strong candidates should still be able to articulate their interests in the INSIGHT program and have demonstrated strong academic performance in the STEM classes they have completed.

I was accepted into another program and have to make a decision ASAP. Is it possible to receive notice of an early decision from INSIGHT?

Out of fairness to others, we cannot give early notice of acceptance.  All applicants will receive notification of their application status in *early April.

My final exams overlap with the start of the INSIGHT Program. Is it possible to join the program after the start date?

Accepted students are expected to commit to the INSIGHT Program for the duration, from June 16th – Aug. 8nd, 2025.

We cannot accommodate late starts, long vacations, or early departures that significantly affect student attendance and participation.

May I work on another research project, or work part or full time during the INSIGHT program?

The INSIGHT Program is a full-time, 40 hour per week summer internship. Interns are expected to be available to attend the program during regular business hours.

If I have a vacation scheduled for a week during the program, or I have to leave the program a week early to participate in another program, may I still participate in the INSIGHT program?

Accepted students are expected to commit to INSIGHT  for the duration of the program.  We cannot accommodate late starts, long vacations, or early departures that significantly affect a student’s participation in the program.

May I take a class during the INSIGHT program?

The INSIGHT Program is a full-time, 40 hour per week, summer internship.  Interns are expected to be available and participate in the program during regular business hours.

What is the daily/weekly schedule? May I see a calendar?

The regular program schedule runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Clinical virtual shadowing opportunities will be available through UW School of Medicine.  Much of the time is dedicated to working with your Faculty Mentor on a research project. Seminars, tours, meetings and social activities are also scheduled throughout the week.  A  program calendar will be provided to accepted students close to the start of the program.

Is there a dress code?

The INSIGHT Program takes place on Harborview Medical Center’s main campus in the Pat Steel Building.  All students are expected to follow the dress code as designated by Harborview’s stated policies (i.e.: no blue jeans, shorts, or t-shirts with insignia).  This will be explained in further detail during the program’s orientation. Similarly, students will be expected to maintain a full time schedule for the duration of the program.

*For 2025, the INSIGHT Program for graduate and undergraduate students has been adapted to an online format.

How much is the stipend and when do we receive it?

Each accepted student receives a stipend of $3,200 midway through the program.

Who do I contact if my question is not addressed here?

Please contact us at: [email protected]

INSIGHT Project Archive

Each summer culminates in the INSIGHT Research Symposium, where interns give research poster presentations to physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals and members of the public.

Visit the INSIGHT Project Archive for past project titles.

UG Advisory Board:

• Brian Johnston, MD

Chief, Pediatrics Harborview Medical Center

Professor of Pediatrics; Adjunct Professor of Health Services, University of Washington

• Sheila Lukehart, PhD

Professor Emeritus, Global Health, University of Washington

Professor Emeritus, Medicine – Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington

Participant Testimonials: 2023

• “This has been a fantastic opportunity. I genuinely wake up and am grateful I was chosen to be part of the program. I have learned so much, and connected with so many awesome people. I will carry these lessons forward into my career, and I know it will make a difference.”
• “The program exposed me to new avenues of public health, especially with being able to meet professionals from a variety of fields and educational backgrounds. It also provided me with a unique research experience outside my major, widening the scope of my future career possibilities.”
• “This program offers a multitude of perspectives from an array of different fields in research, healthcare fields, and current standstill issues in our world today. This program taught me how to think similarly to a researcher and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone to connect with professionals who have given me insight on my future career path and goals. Through INSIGHT, I had the opportunity to conduct research on a topic that I had my own personal stakes in and what I was passionate about.”
• “I recommend the INSIGHT Program to other students because it is an amazing opportunity to learn about research, participate in a research project, while at the same time, learning about the why. Why do we need to do injury prevention research? Why are people getting injured and how can we make the world a safer place for all people.”
• “I’ve really enjoyed the mix of time to work on a project and the time spent in topic and lecture seminars. I feel that the seminars have been super informative and have helped to build up my practical and theoretical knowledge. They’ve also really helped to inform questions that I ask and how I view public health as a field. All the speakers have been great and also super sensitive and responsive to us.”

Participant Testimonials: 2022

• “As a public health student pursuing a career in medicine, the connections that I have developed at HIPRC are truly invaluable. This program allowed me to connect with researchers, academics, and physicians that I would only hope to meet in medical school, and encouraged independent exploratory research with the support of a great staff and a phenomenal mentor, Dr. Lynn Stansbury. Thank you for creating this space for students to learn.”
• “I cannot recommend this program enough to my fellow students at George Washington University. I look forward to remaining involved as INSIGHT alumni and helping with TTRIG & the BRISK Project. Thank you again!”
• “I have learned more about medicine in general, my future path in it, and strengthened my understanding of the future profession. I have further realized that medicine is my true calling. I believe that I have contributed to valuable research and this is the most rewarding part of this internship. The best thing about being an alumna, though, is the lasting relationships I have made even though the program was virtual.”
• “This experience and the people that made it possible have reaffirmed my confidence in my decision to pursue a career in health. The program’s emphasis on health equity and my own research question prompted me to consider different options (specifically rural healthcare and research).”
• “Within medicine and public health, there are so many interesting ways to make an impact. I don’t need to go to medical school to join public health. For example, I could go into research/statistics, Epidemiology, or nursing. Also, injuries are very prevalent issues – and they can occur in different forms. So, injury prevention is something I realized I am interested in!”
• “I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity. Nowhere else is there a program quite like INSIGHT. The faculty/staff are world-class and fantastic at what they do. The community is kind and thoughtful. I felt supported and challenged at the same time. INSIGHT pushed me to be better, more analytical, and open-minded. I am so glad and fortunate that I got to spend my summer in the INSIGHT Program. I wish I could do it all over again!”
• “This was a great program that was run well by really amazing individuals! I truly appreciate the opportunity and look forward to connecting with people that I have met this summer in the future and seeing what they have accomplished!”
• “Thank you for such a fulfilling and rigorous program, INSIGHT even through an online format exceeded my expectations.”

Participant Testimonials: 2021

• “I have really enjoyed the mix of structure provided by the seminars as well as the independence when working on the research project.”
• “I enjoyed being able to explore so many sides of injury prevention research, public health, and medical areas in a focused environment alongside my peers. This program was the best possible mix of anything I could have wanted. The seminars, time with peers, and opportunity to complete a mentored research project (while working on assignments such as abstracts, posters, and presentations) made for a complete program that gave me the best possible education in the health field that I could have asked for! The mix of everything, in an effective manner, was my favorite part of the entire program.”
• “I definitely thought that this program was great to experience what clinical research is like and what all goes into it. I loved learning the diverse viewpoints of my classmates and the presenters throughout the course of the project, and it really helped me to gain a better perspective on clinical research and explore my interests.”
• “I am so very grateful to have taken part in the INSIGHT Program. I cannot stress enough how beneficial and path-opening this program was for me. One of the strengths of the entire thing is the amount of different areas that we all were so well exposed to, and I am sure that this will only continue stronger and stronger going forward. Thank you all so much again, and I am very much looking forward to continuing work with my research mentor and applying to be an alumni mentor for next year’s cohort. This experience was so amazing for me, thank you all very much.”

Participant Testimonials: 2020

“I just want to thank you all for all the work that you’ve done. I think when I knew that the program was going to keep going. I was very worried about how this was going to work because I got into this program because I wanted to do all the shadowing with the doctors with the team and everything. And with everything being online, I was just like how am I going to have the motivation, how am I going to have those connections. And I think you did a great job. I loved all the seminars, I learned so much. And I can’t imagine how much work you had to coordinate. I’m so grateful that you were able to do that for us.”

“This whole experience has been so rewarding. Even talking to my mentor a few times, a week and working with my partner, I’ve learned so much from both of them as well as the rest of the cohort. It’s been really helpful to learn about science and understand that it’s a team process.

I just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity again. I think I had a really singular view coming into this experience about what research is like working in a lab. When I came in here, pretty much like multiple times a week, “Oh research can be this.” Just being able to talk to other doctors and researchers. It’s been absolutely amazing, especially during these unprecedented times.”

“I also want to say thank you. And I think this program has really pushed me to like to pursue research more in my career, which is really exciting.”

“I would like to thank everyone. Because coming into this program, I did not really know what to expect. I can just imagine how hard everyone must have worked through the pandemic to do this program this way. I’m thankful for this opportunity because I feel like in my field moving forward, I can expect on what to do.”

INSIGHT interns have joined HIPRC from across the country, many with the goal of pursuing graduate school, medical school, and medical research.

Are you an INSIGHT alumni?

Please  share your recent academic or professional accomplishments with us ! We feature alumni news in the alumni newsletter.

Undergraduate Alumni are encouraged to join the HIPRC INSIGHT Alumni Facebook group as well. For access contact,  [email protected] . 

Student Interest Group

Currently enrolled students, working on injury and violence prevention research, are invited to join the HIPRC Student Interest Group for mentorship, research support and presentation opportunities throughout the year.

Prior participation in INSIGHT is not required – this program is open to students currently enrolled at any college or university.

The INSIGHT program is presented by:

Summer Research Opportunities