Applications for this program are now closed
The SMS Summer Research Program is an 8-week long summer program that allows a select number of students who have previously participated in Saturday Morning Science (or are part of the affiliate programs with Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M or other predominantly minority-serving institutions) to work in the lab or on a research project with a Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) researcher. All applicants must be 18 or older by June 1, 2023. There may be a rare circumstance where a project is available for a 16- or 17-year-old, but this is not guaranteed, so if you are <18 and apply, your application may not be reviewed. If hired, you will work directly on a project for 40 hours per week for the duration of the 8-week period. In addition to this, you will attend weekly ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions sponsored by the SMS Program, Office of Community Engagement & Health Equity, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at BCM, or Texas Southern University. At these sessions, you will learn about various aspects of research and professional development. You also will be required to participate in the research meetings and any other special seminars specific to the research group you are joining. As a participant of the Summer Research Program, you will be hired as a BCM employee under the title of Summer Project Intern. As a Summer Project Intern you will receive a stipend.
At the culmination of the summer, you will be invited to present your research to the 2023 Summer Research Reimagined Virtual Summer Program and to the other in-person summer interns. You may also have other opportunities to present your research within your research group.
In June of the year following your completion of the Summer Research Program (June 2024), you will be invited to present a research poster highlighting your work at the Annual Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research Summit sponsored by the Office of Community Engagement & Health Equity at BCM. You may have the opportunity to present your research at several other sponsored symposia in conjunction with the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, TSU, or as part of training grant programs.
Please note that placement in the program is extremely competitive from year to year due to limited availability of labs and a substantial number of applicants. However, this year we plan to place up to 30 students. If you are not selected for an interview or for placement, please do not be discouraged! We encourage you to apply to and participate in the 2023 SMS Summer Research Reimagined Program (open > 6th grade) that will be entirely virtual and have separate high school and undergraduate student components (and allow the opportunity for virtual lab experiences, research seminars and career development opportunities). If you are a TSU pharmacy student and are not selected, we will encourage you to participate in a pharmacy student mentorship program that will also begin in Summer 2023.
What are the dates of the Summer Research Program?
The program typically takes place within a week of area schools/colleges letting out for summer break (typically mid-June) and continues for a period of 8 straight weeks. Students must be available to work each Monday-Friday through those dates in order to apply for the program. The dates for Summer Research 2023 are June 12, 2023 - Aug. 10, 2023.
What hours does a Summer Project Intern work?
As a Summer Project Intern, you will work 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday. This is a full-time job for the duration of the 8-week period. The actual start and end time each day is determined by the researcher you are assigned to, but the total hours each week will add up to 40 hours. If you plan to take a family vacation, take a volunteer trip, work another job that coincides with these dates, etc. you should not apply for the program.
What makes me eligible for the Summer Research Program?
You must:
- Be 18 years of age by June 1
- Have a U.S. Social Security card or a U.S. Permanent Resident card
- Be committed to work 8 full weeks in the summer and complete all of the requirements of the program
- Be committed to presenting your research as per the requirements above
How do I apply?
In order to be considered for the Summer Research Program, you must submit all of the following in one application packet no later than the deadline set for applications. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.
Registration process:
- High school students: Have your school complete the school form on your behalf if you are currently in high school
- Write a biographical sketch in the format provided which includes each of the following (cannot be longer than four pages):
- A statement outlining your research interests and/or career goals. Can include evidence of your scientific interest and/or achievement
- A current resume of your activities, leadership experience, and current or past jobs if applicable
- Sign your biographical sketch
Application deadline has been extended to April 10!
Provide all completed materials no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2023. We will not be able to accept any late submissions.
Selected candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview after review of all applications. Interviews (virtual) will be held in mid-May, with selections announced beginning of May.
Students that do not have COVID-19 vaccine will be required to wear a mask.
For questions about the program or about the application process, contact our office at (713) 798-8646 or via email at SaturdayMorningScience@bcm.edu.
