Skip to main content
Open to US citizens and non US citizens
Deadline: 02/02/2025 (Tentative)

General Information

The Undergraduate Student Scholars Program is a summer research program run by the NIH Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania. It consists of an organized program of summer lectures and presentations combined with basic research experience in the laboratory of an expert investigator. This program is open to students from Penn as well as outside the university, and the curriculum is designed specifically for undergraduate students with an interest in biomedical research, with the eventual goal of MD, PhD, or MD-PhD degrees. 

During the program, students attend weekly seminars on introductory topics in biomedical research. At the end of the course, all participants present their research to members of the Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases in a focused seminar and receive a certificate recognizing their completion of the program. The research program is thus individualized to each student and each laboratory.

Seminar and research experiences are supplemented by social events and activities, including an end-of-summer dinner featuring all students and mentors. Thus, students develop strong and lasting relationships with their fellow students, with members of the research laboratories, and with their mentors. Students receive a competitive stipend for their participation in the 10-week program, and on-campus housing is available.

Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for common inquiries about the Undergraduate Student Scholars Program.

Eligibility Guidelines

Students accepted into the program must be eligible to work in the United States. While prior research experience is typical of accepted students, it is not required for acceptance. Mean GPA of accepted students is generally greater than 3.5.

Application Details

To apply, you'll need to complete the online application form and provide a/an

  • Resume
  • Official Transcript
  • Letter of Recommendation 
  • Personal Statement

Send application and letters to: USSP@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Applications from women and members of underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged.

Funding Type

Details:

Research Offering Type

Internship

Location

USA

Undergraduate School

College, Engineering, Nursing, Wharton

Source

Penn

Contact Information

Any questions, please reach out to Jonathan Katz, MD: jpkatz@pennmedicine.upenn.edu