Since 2001, Van Andel Institute’s (VAI) summer internships have provided more than 300 students with the opportunity to gain valuable research experience. The Institute’s hands-on program plays an instrumental role in shaping the next generation of biomedical scientists and physicians.
This year, VAI is hosting 38 interns who represent 19 different educational institutions during two summer sessions. The program is designed to provide high school, undergraduate and medical students the opportunity to be mentored by professionals in their chosen research field, to become familiar with the use of state-of-the-art scientific equipment and technology, and to learn valuable interpersonal and presentation skills. The goal is to expose aspiring scientists and clinicians to exciting advances in biomedical sciences that will help define their career paths.
“Working at Van Andel Research Institute provided me with excellent mentors, an outstanding summer research opportunity, and a great way to learn more about the field of biomedical sciences.“
– Mallory Smith, 2013 and 2014 Summer Intern, Hope College, B.S. Chemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 2018 (expected)
The program has been remarkably successful in propelling students into advanced degrees, with more than half of the undergraduates going on to graduate school and more than a quarter going on to medical school.
To learn more visit vai.org/graduate-school/research-internships/.