Research Internship Program
Summer 2008 Dates: June 2 - July 10, 2008
The Research Internship Program (RIP) is a 6-week scientific research internship at Vanderbilt University. It centers on an intense (40+ hours/week) lab experience where students are matched with a research lab on campus and subsequently, they engage in an independent research project under the mentorship of a Vanderbilt University or Vanderbilt University Medical Center research faculty member. All RIP participants also attend weekly breakout sessions as a group; led by a team of Vanderbilt faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students. The purpose of these breakout sessions is to complement the student's lab experience by developing skill sets for scientific communication and comprehension as well as to expose students to the Vanderbilt research community, scientific careers, and university studies. RIP culminates with an end-of-summer research symposium where students will present their project in a public research poster forum, consistent with national scientific meetings.
- Students must be current 11th graders (entering their 12th grade year in the fall of 2008);
- Students must be 16 years of age by June 2, 2008;
- Students must commit fully to all 6 weeks of the program.
- RIP is free for all students.
- We DO accept out-of-town students, however, RIP is NOT a residential program, therefore we cannot provide housing.
- Students must provide their own transportation. Only parking passes are provided.
- Financial assistance in the form of stipends may be available but is not guaranteed.
- You do not need to contact Vanderbilt researchers for lab placement; we place all students in labs.
Students are accepted through application only and placement is highly competitive. The summer research experience is intense but highly rewarding. It may be the best summer you've ever had! If you enjoy science and have a strong desire to explore and discover the world around you, we are looking for you.
If you are a Metro Nashville Public School student:
Consider applying instead to the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt.
- For rising 12th graders, this program is concurrent with RIP during the summer but allows you to receive high school honors credit for your participation through the Research III course. The summer will require one extra week of commitment: this course runs until July 18.
- Students must also commit to attending the Advanced Research course. This honors course is an academic year component that will allow you to remain on campus and in your lab during your senior year.
- You will receive special honors at your graduation.
Please note: You can only apply to RIP or the School for Science and Math. Students accepted to RIP cannot retroactively switch to the School program and vice versa.
The application deadline for Summer 2008 Internships was March 21, 2008
Past RIP Projects