The High School Summer Research Internship in Infectious Diseases will NOT be offered in 2024. 

The High School Summer Research Internship offer students the opportunity to shadow and learn from leading researchers in infectious diseases. This is an 8-week, hands-on summer program in which students interested in a research career engage in weekly sessions with faculty, postdocs and graduate students.

Program Overview

The University of Houston College of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research has a leading research program in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy and trains students interested in research through Ph.D. and postdoctoral programs. We are offering exposure to these research opportunities through hands-on experience to up to two (2) rising junior or senior high school students considering a research career. Students will gain an opportunity to learn about career opportunities and develop marketable skills for future university and job applications.

Program Activities

Students will receive hands-on training in the generation, analysis, and rigor and reproducibility of research data under the direct supervision of a program mentor. Hands-on research training includes basic lab skills, literature reviews, biological sample processing, running PCR assays and plating bacteria on to plates practicing assays analysis and basic microbiological methodology

• A written report will be due at the end of each week on completion of assigned tasks.
• A formal written and oral presentation of a small, independent project at the end of the internship.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be high school students who will be juniors or seniors in the fall 2023 semester and with an interest in pursuing science degrees.
• An interest in infectious diseases and/or microbiology is also highly suggested.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on 4.0 scale
• Math/Science cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on 4.0 scale

Stipend

A scholarship of $2,000 is available for the selected students.

Application and Other Requirements

We also require:

• A brief description of why you are interested in this program (no more than 2,000 characters in length)
• Official/unofficial transcript
• A letter of recommendation from your science teacher or counselor.

Application paperwork will be sent to the selected students. Enrollment is limited to two (2) students. Physical signatures of a parent/guardian are required by pen or stylus or completed printed forms scanned and submitted via email.

Please note that any and all materials or information generated or gained during this program is the property of the University of Houston and is not to be reproduced or published by any persons associated with or participating in this program without prior written approval.