The Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides experience in biomedical and/or public health research to students from a variety of backgrounds - including students from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in science and medicine, students from low-income/underserved backgrounds, and students with disabilities. The program provides research exposure for those interested in potential careers in science, medicine and public health.

Overall, SIP students can expect an experience similar to that of a first-year graduate student who does a three-month rotation in a laboratory (or out in the community) in order to become acquainted with a research project, investigative techniques, and fellow researchers working on that topic. Before arrival, each SIP intern receives several papers related to their specific research project. The goal of the project and its relationship to other work in the area will be discussed. Participants also receive training in the techniques necessary to conduct their research activity. The projects that SIP students take on provide students a sense of ownership of their work. Besides daily interactions with others at the lab or project site, most teams have a more formal meeting once or twice a week to discuss research problems, work progress and developments reported in the scientific literature. While the focus of each research site varies, all are composed of highly dedicated mentors who are fully devoted to the professional development, advancement and success of our SIP scholars.