Summer undergraduate research internship
Translational research for Undergraduates
Interns receive hands on training from experienced mentors
Application Instructions & Internship Timeline
The 2023 Summer Internship Program applications are now closed. Thank you to the many students who applied, and we hope to be a part of your journey to becoming future scientists and healthcare leaders. Notifications on application decisions will be emailed in March 2023. This summer's program dates are May 30, 2023 through August 4, 2023.For questions regarding the internship programs, please email HMSURI@houstonmethodist.org
Thank you for your interest in our internship, and we wish you all the best of luck.Testimonials from past interns
CARSON BENNER PRESENTS HIS POSTER AT THE 2021 SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM
"I am extremely grateful to my principal investigator Francesca Taraballi, PhD and mentor Ava Brozovich for allowing me to spend the summer of 2021 working on regenerative medicine approaches to osteosarcoma complications. My project involved examining functional recovery and bone healing in mice from a collagen implant after partial femur removal. The SURI program excels at offering an immersive research experience. Everyone I worked with provided unique opportunities to expand my skill set, allowing me to contribute substantially and remain involved with the lab after the summer ended. I was even fortunate enough to meet and shadow orthopedic surgeons during my time at the research institute. Furthermore, my lab members made every attempt to include me in team lunches and events, building a sense of camaraderie that made my research all the more meaningful. I entered the program primarily as an engineer and emerged a more competent and confident scientist with insights into the treatments, technologies, and terminology relevant to my intended career path. I am happy for all the knowledge and relationships I gained from my lab experience, and they provided an exciting introduction into translational research."
"As an intern in the Cardiovascular MRI lab of Dipan Shah, MD, FACC, I worked on a few different clinical research projects, including a study on the effects of COVID-19 on heart health. The work culture at Houston Methodist is amazing! As an undergraduate student working alongside people with graduate and professional degrees, I was worried that I might not fit in well. My co-workers were always there for me and made me feel really welcome! The internship coordinators also did a wonderful job. They organized a lot of great professional development and social activities, and they helped create a great community among the interns." -Karissa Smith
"I spent two summers (2018 and 2019) working with Rose Khavari, MD and Christof Karmonik, PhD on neurogenic bladders. My projects involved analyzing the grey and white matter from the fMRI and DTI scans of multiple sclerosis patients who have trouble emptying their bladders, to further our current understandings on the supraspinal control over the lower urinary tract. One thing I enjoyed the most about the program is that in addition to learning more about different fMRI analysis techniques, I was able to observe Dr. Khavari and other doctors in the Urology department in their clinics as well as many of their surgeries, and gain a deeper insight of what it takes to be a physician. I was fortunate enough to receive a first-author publication, and continue my research with Dr. Khavari during my gap years before applying to medical school. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to work toward making an impact on patients’ lives, and the incredible mentorship I received, which has inspired and prepared me well as I continue to pursue my career plan."