Summer Undergraduate Research Internship
Sean Lade, a 2024 SURI intern, is conducting translational research.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) is the premier summer program at the Houston Methodist Academic Institute. This 10-week internship offers undergraduate students a rich array of opportunities to enhance their professional development and gain exposure to careers in translational research. Interns are paired with distinguished faculty mentors from Houston Methodist, who provide guidance in mastering essential laboratory techniques and research processes. Each intern is assigned their own area of study or focus within an ongoing project, allowing for in-depth exploration of their research interests.
Throughout the summer, interns participate in a variety of activities, including a welcome reception, sporting events, didactic and professional development sessions, all of which contribute to their professional growth and expand their network. The program concludes with a research symposium where interns present poster presentations of their work. Some interns, in collaboration with their mentors, may even have the opportunity to publish their work, and many are discovering potential career pathways at Houston Methodist. Stipends are provided for undergraduate interns
Throughout the summer, interns participate in a variety of activities, including a welcome reception, sporting events, didactic and professional development sessions, all of which contribute to their professional growth and expand their network. The program concludes with a research symposium where interns present poster presentations of their work. Some interns, in collaboration with their mentors, may even have the opportunity to publish their work, and many are discovering potential career pathways at Houston Methodist. Stipends are provided for undergraduate interns
Internship Guidelines & Requirements
Applications for the 2025 Summer Internship Programs will open on December 2, 2024, and close on Jan 31, 2025. The programs will begin on May 27, 2025, and end on August 1, 2025. The internship is held at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center (6565 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030).
All programs require a full-time commitment for the 10-week duration (May 27–August 1, 2025). Daily attendance is required of each student for a full 8-hour workday, approximately 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with the exception of the July 4th holiday. Please review our comprehensive FAQ for more information.
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program to participate
- Only US citizens, Legal Permanent Residents and Foreign Nationals who already hold a legal visa status (F-1, J-1, EADs) are eligible to apply to any of the internship programs
Application Requirements:
- Completed summer Internship program application
- Two required essay questions and one optional
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current transcript (official or unofficial): The grades from your current academic year must be included for your transcript to be accepted. Your transcript MUST include your grades for the current 2024 fall semester.
- Resume
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
Testimonial
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the SURI program. From the moment I was accepted, I was embraced by a culture dedicated to nurturing future leaders, fostering professional development, and embodying excellence. As an intern, I had the privilege of connecting with and learning from a diverse group of professionals at Houston Methodist. My lab team provided me with invaluable exposure to clinical research, and I was fortunate to shadow surgeons in the operating room and physicians in their clinics. Given that this was my first clinical research experience, I encountered challenges that tested my resilience and adaptability.
These obstacles ultimately propelled me to grow, both professionally and personally. The unwavering support and guidance from the OGSTA team were instrumental in helping me navigate these challenges, ensuring that I could maximize my learning and development. The SURI program extended beyond the lab, offering a comprehensive approach to career preparation. Through a series of lectures and workshops, I gained critical skills essential for success in my future career. These sessions equipped me with tools and insights that I will carry with me throughout my professional journey.
In summary, the SURI program has been an unparalleled experience that not only introduced me to the intricacies of clinical research but also empowered me with the skills and confidence to pursue my career goals. I am truly thankful for this opportunity and the lasting impact it has had on my development."
Mackenzie Telfaire (2024 Intern)
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
These obstacles ultimately propelled me to grow, both professionally and personally. The unwavering support and guidance from the OGSTA team were instrumental in helping me navigate these challenges, ensuring that I could maximize my learning and development. The SURI program extended beyond the lab, offering a comprehensive approach to career preparation. Through a series of lectures and workshops, I gained critical skills essential for success in my future career. These sessions equipped me with tools and insights that I will carry with me throughout my professional journey.
In summary, the SURI program has been an unparalleled experience that not only introduced me to the intricacies of clinical research but also empowered me with the skills and confidence to pursue my career goals. I am truly thankful for this opportunity and the lasting impact it has had on my development."
Mackenzie Telfaire (2024 Intern)
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University