Summer Student Research

The Department of Pediatrics Summer Student Research Program provides undergraduate college students with eight weeks of intensive and fulfilling research experience. Our dedicated team of Neonatologists, Pediatricians, Researchers, and NICU Specialists offers one-on-one mentorship to students in a variety of topics within the field of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine. Students will be appropriately matched to mentors based on their research interests and experience (if any) to ensure a rewarding and professionally stimulating experience. Space is limited and applications must be completed by the deadline below to be considered for selection. The program will be in-person at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Students are expected to be in-person throughout the entire duration of the program, from Monday through Friday each week.

Course Directors

For general inquiries, please contact Margot Murphy, Program Coordinator, Course Director.

Important Dates and Deadlines

  • Applications Open: January 6, 2025
  • Applications Close: February 7, 2025
  • Decisions Announced: March 21, 2025
  • Program Dates: June 9, 2025 – August 1, 2025

Application Information

Eligibility

The Department of Pediatrics Summer Student Research Program aims to admit highly motivated students with an interest in research and its applications to healthcare, academic medicine, and related fields. In accordance with Brigham and Women’s Hospital policies, participants are required to be medically cleared by our Occupational Health Services, which consists of health screening, as well as adherence to the mandatory MGB COVID-19 vaccination policy and flu policy. No prior research experience is required. Students of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. All students must meet the following requirements:

  • Undergraduate or Medical student (as of Fall 2025)
  • Proven interest in Research, Academic Medicine, or related fields
  • Adherence to MGB vaccination policy

For additional information regarding the program, please view our FAQs document (PDF).

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted from January 6, 2025, through February 7, 2025. All required Application Materials must be received by February 7, 2025, at 5PM EST.

Submit the following application materials here by the application deadline:

  • CV
  • A personal statement (one page maximum)
    • Describe your interest and why you would be a good fit for a research program in the NICU
  • Unofficial university transcript
  • 1-2 references (name, e-mail, telephone number, and relationship to applicant)
    • Letter of Recommendation is not required

Please contact Margot Murphy, Program Coordinator, Course Director, with any questions.

Previous Research Projects

  • Impact of antioxidant juice intake on brain injury in growth restricted infants
  • Late Onset Oxygen Requirement Following Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia
  • Parenting Involvement and Barriers to Visitation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Nutritional Intake and Body Composition in Premature Infants
  • Neurodevelopment of Auditory Cortex in Preterm Infants
  • Human Milk Fortifier and Metabolic Acidosis

Reviews from Former Students

“I would definitely recommend this summer student program to others. From being able to work under incredibly talented mentors, to learning from a wide range of perspectives from both clinical and research teams, to just being surrounded by a supportive environment characterized by progress, change, and discovery, I loved every aspect of my experience at the summer student internship." - Class of 2024

“I would definitely recommend this summer student program to anyone who is interested in this branch of medicine because you truly get a grasp of everything that goes around in the NICU or after they are discharged. I entered with a slight interest in the field and ended up loving it and considering it as a possible career path. Thanks for making this experience so great. I hope this program keeps inspiring others just as it did to me." - Class of 2023

"The Summer Student Program was amazing. The organization, the teaching, and the care about the students were all incredible. It was really indescribable to have these 8 weeks inside a hospital. It was so important to have these experiences of researching and learning from incredible health care providers. I will never forget. Thank you." - Class of 2023

"The Summer Student Research Program was a wonderful opportunity to gain exposure to neonatal and pediatric medicine. I chose this program out of personal interest for these fields and would highly recommend anyone interested in medicine and healthcare to apply. The skills I developed through this experience will surely support me in future endeavors and have inspired me to continue pursuing my passion for medicine.“ – Class of 2022

“I would definitely recommend this to other students. You won’t just be doing neonatal research, you’ll also gain valuable connections with professionals who want to mentor you, which is extremely helpful if you don’t personally know anyone in the health field. This is also a great opportunity to get a well-rounded glimpse into what it’s like to work in the NICU” – Class of 2022

“I would recommend this program in a heartbeat. It exceeded all my expectations and helped me to discover more about my passion for medicine.” – Class of 2022

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