What is the purpose of the program?
The intent of this program is to offer students experience in Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) to better understand health disparities.
How do I apply?
Applications can be found
online. Along with the completed application, you will need to provide two contacts, one of whom must send a letter of recommendation to us by Friday, March 8, 2013. You may get your letter from your College Advisor or any professor or investigator who can evaluate your potential for research. You may also provide any other documentation you feel would support your application. For example, if you have done research, you may submit scientific papers, research papers or other publications you have written or participated in as well. Be sure to let us know if there is a particular area of research you are interested in.
Who should apply?
The summer internship is intended for undergraduate students with a background in either the basic or social sciences and for students who have an interest in social science research.
Are international students eligible for the program?
International students, who already have a visa and are currently studying at The Ohio State University, are eligible for our research internships.
How many positions are available?
The number of available positions usually depends on funding and availability of mentors and projects. Up to six internships will be awarded.
Is there an application deadline?
Applications for the undergraduate summer research internship will be accepted until Friday, March 8. Along with your application, ALL required supporting documents resume, transcript(s), and letter(s) of recommendation must ALSO be received by this date for your application to be considered.
How long is the Undergraduate Summer Research Internship?
The summer internship program is an 11-week (8 hours a day, five days a week) program. The dates for the summer 2013 program are Monday, May 13, 2013 – Friday, July 26, 2013. Students must be able to commit to the entire period in order to participate.
Is it a paid internship?
Yes. Selected summer research interns are employed during the 11-week period at full-time status (40 hours a week, 5 days a week, assuming an 8:30 am – 5:00 pm workday). Interns will be paid approximately $8.75/hour. Payments are made bi-weekly. Note: If an intern takes a few days of vacation, payment will not be given and the hours cannot be made up by working more hours in other weeks.
Is housing provided for interns?
No housing is provided. Interns are responsible for securing their own housing.
What kinds of research opportunities are available?
We have a wide range of research opportunities for you to participate in. Projects include research on the genetic contributions to invasive cervical cancer, influence of social networks on smoking behaviors, biological effects of stress on immunity to HPV, and effects of a multi-level intervention on uptake of the HPV vaccine.
Is there a specific form for the letter of recommendation?
There is no form or required format. You must supply contact information for two references - at least one of whom must submit electronically a letter of recommendation for you. Your reference letter should be written by someone who can evaluate your potential for research. The letter must be e-mailed to the Summer Research Internship Program Manager at
toyin.sokari@osumc.edu.
When will I be notified of my status?
Notifications will be sent out inviting selected applicants for an interview in late March. Awards will be announced in early April.
Is it necessary to have an official transcript from EACH university attended; that is, being a transfer student, do I need to send two transcripts or will a detailed cumulative one from my present university suffice?
If your current transcript includes information about your other school(s), you do not need to send any other transcripts. However, if the bulk of your academic work is at the other institution, make sure the grades from that coursework are included on your current transcript, or else we will need to see the original.
What are the day-to-day activities of an intern?
Interns spend most of their day working independently and attend weekly seminars and meetings with program supervisor, mentors, and project staff. Most interns will spend a great deal of their time in the office. Activities vary based on the project you are assigned but could include: information gathering, meeting with project staff to coordinate an activity, reviewing of scientific literature, scanning and verifying of forms, and visits to the field. Interns will also spend time on their independent project, which includes actual data analysis. Students work closely with mentors to develop their project. The program concludes with a written paper, poster session, and oral presentation by the interns describing their projects.
Is it possible for me to take courses during the summer internship or study for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
Summer interns work 8:30 am – 5 pm every weekday. In addition, you will be asked to prepare a poster presentation, computer assisted presentation, and paper of your research project. You will be asked to attend seminars, computer lab, journal club, mentor meetings, and project meetings. Therefore, it is not advisable that you add other coursework, work, internships, or tests during the duration of the program.
What if I have other questions? Please send an email to
toyin.sokari@osumc.edu.