The University of Missouri School of Medicine offers a summer research internship with the goal of improving access to the field of biomedical sciences.
The program — supported by the School of Medicine Associate Dean for Community, Professional Proficiency and Student Success with logistical help from the Office of Undergraduate Research — runs for nine weeks (Wednesday, May 28 – Friday, July 25), with travel days being Tuesday, May 27 and Saturday, July 26. Students will work on their own research project under the guidance of an MU School of Medicine faculty mentor and present their results at a poster forum at the end of the summer (Thursday, July 24). The program is open to all students meeting the eligibility criteria and first-generation college students and students from groups underrepresented in medicine are encouraged to apply.
Education Programming
In addition to their research work, students participate in a full series of workshops, small group seminars and mini conferences designed to provide information about research, career preparation, and scientific ethics. Weekly specialty discussions provide opportunities for students to read articles relevant to the topics and engage in discussion with peers and faculty members. A presentation on writing abstracts and designing posters is held in preparation for the poster forum. Social and recreational activities also provide opportunities for participants to get to know each other and other members of the University of Missouri science community.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the internship program, students should be pursuing a major in animal sciences, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related fields, and have a minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Selection is partially based on your potential and motivation for future enrollment in the MU School of Medicine. You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the US. Students who graduate before December 2025 are not eligible.
Additional Benefits
Selected students will receive the following:
- On campus room and board
- One hour of academic/research credit
- Travel to and from Columbia, Missouri
- Stipend of $3,000
How to Apply
Applications will open December 16, 2024.
The application deadline is 11:59 pm Friday, February 14, 2025.
Students must complete the Summer Research Internship application and provide an unofficial transcript (including fall 2024 grades), at least one letter of recommendation (two are preferred), a personal statement, statement of research interests and experience, if any, and a résumé.
