What is the Summer Research Program?
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 researcher. All applicants must be 18 or older by June 1, 2024. 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 SMS Summer Research Symposium and to the other in-person summer interns. You may also have other opportunities to present your research within your research group, and at various research and/or health equity symposia during the 2024-2025 school year. Opportunities include presenting a research poster highlighting your work at the Annual Center of Excellence in Health Equity Training and Research summit sponsored by BCM, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Engagement activities, and the BCM “CURED” symposia.
Please note that placement in the program is extremely competitive from year to year due to limited availability of labs/research experiences and a substantial number of applicants. However, this year we plan to place up to 40 students. If you are not selected for an interview or for placement, please do not be discouraged! We encourage you to apply and participate in other SMS programs available throughout the year.
What are the dates of the Summer Research Program?
The dates for Summer Research 2024 are:
June 10, 2024 – Aug. 5, 2024
Students must be available to work each day, Monday – Friday through those dates in order to apply for the program.
What hours does a Summer Project Intern work?
As a Summer Project Intern, you will work approximately 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 likely 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:
General Summer Research Program:
- Be 18 years of age by June 1st (no exceptions, in accordance with federal law)
- 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
TSU CURED Summer Research Program
- Be a registered student at Texas Southern University (incoming freshman starting in 2024 OR current undergraduate or graduate student)
- GPA of at least 3.0 in prior academic year
- Be 18 years of age by June 1 (no exceptions, in accordance with federal law)
- 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
Provide all completed materials no later than 5 p.m. April 1, 2024. We will not be able to accept any late submissions.
Do not submit duplicate applications.
Selected candidates will be reviewed by an internal selection committee. All applicants will be notified of acceptance, waitlist, or unable to accept notice by the end of April 2024.
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 us via email at SaturdayMorningScience@bcm.edu.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
