About the Program

The Summer Research Internship Program was started in 2003 and has provided more than 400 research experiences for medical, college, and high school students. The program works to cultivate students’ interest in pursuing medical and research careers in the basic or clinical sciences, or public health. 

For eight weeks in the summer, student interns usually work with the mentors in laboratories or clinics at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, or Children’s Hospital, all in New Orleans. Interns learn techniques used in the health sciences laboratories, gain research study skills, and experience professional development and career preparation through weekly program seminars. Additionally, they receive training in presentation skills, including how to prepare a presentation for a scientific meeting.  At program end, all interns present their research findings at a poster session or oral symposium.

Since its inception, more than 400 students from throughout the United States have participated in the Summer Research Program. Because of this program, some of Louisiana’s best and brightest undergraduates, some who have attended school within the state and other who have enrolled in universities elsewhere, have been introduced to the opportunities available here in Louisiana. After completion of the internship, many interns have presented their research at medical or scientific conferences, have had their research published in medical or scientific journals, have had received acceptance to medical and graduate schools, and/or have gained employment in STEM fields. 

Funding is provided by LSU School of Medicine, the Louisiana Department of Health; the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI); National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU); the Taylor Foundation; and the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC).