Laboratory of Rare Lung Diseases

Airways Biology Initiative Summer Research Program

Airways Biology Initiative (ABI) Summer Research Program, creating the next generation of great young scientists.

This summer educational program is a unique opportunity for high school and college students who are contemplating a career in science/medicine and intend to pursue graduate or medical school training for advanced degrees.  

For high school students making decisions about college, the ABI Summer Research Program can provide you with invaluable insight into how science is done. This experience can help you to decide what type of college you wish to attend (small, large, research-oriented), aid in the college selection process, and strengthen your college application. 

For college students contemplating careers in science, the ABI Summer Research Program can be a very important part of your graduate school application package.  Most advanced science-related degree programs require prior research experience to be considered for admission.

Upon acceptance into this program, you will have the opportunity to participate in laboratory science, be a member of a research team, participate in experiment planning and analyses sessions, perform experiments, and present your results.  You will learn firsthand how top tier biomedical science is accomplished, providing you insight into a career in science.

Program Highlights

  • Tuition-free research program
    • High School Student program (8 weeks) - third week of June until the second week of August
    • Undergraduate Student program (12 weeks)- third week of May until the second week of August
  • Opportunity to explore various careers in science & medicine
  • Learn and apply the process of scientific research
  • Hands on experience performing experiments
  • Communicate your science findings in presentations and written reports
  • Be mentored by professional scientists, students and faculty from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Qualifications

High School Applicants

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Applicants must be **16 years of age or older at the time they begin the program ( **Exception can be requested and will be reviewed on a case by case basis. All decisions in regards to eligibility will be final.)
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school
  • Parental consent required
  • Students must be entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school
  • GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or all A's and B's in math and science classes
  • Interest in a career in science or medicine

Undergraduate Applicants

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled at least part-time in an accredited U.S. college or university as an undergraduate student
  • GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or all A's and B's in math and science
  • At least one year of coursework in biology or other sciences
  • Interest in a career in science or medicine

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted from November 1st to February 1st. Prospective candidate's application must be postmarked or faxed no later than February 1st. Download Application (PDF).

Please mail or fax ALL of the required information by no later than February 1st to the following address:

ABI Summer Research Program
University of Pennsylvania
125 South 31st Street Suite 1300
Philadelphia, Pa. 19104-3413
Fax: (215) 746-1224

Completed application must include:

  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Non-official high school or college transcripts
  • Personal statement describing the applicant's experience, research interests, and career goals
  • Two letters of reference with at least one letter from either science or math teacher completed on the Letter of Recommendation Form in the application
  • Either the adult consent form or the parental consent form (High School Applicants)
  • Conduct agreement

Selection Procedure

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from November through April by the individual scientists. Individual scientists will select their own summer interns from the pool of applicants.  In addition, applicants may be contacted to schedule an interview for this program. Only the applicants selected for the program will be notified and they will be notified by email by no later than May 1st. Successful candidates will be required to submit the following documentation and have completed the items listed below prior to beginning their training:

  • Proof of age for high school student applicants. They may submit a copy of their birth certificate or passport.
  • High school student applicants under the age of 18, will need to submit a copy of their working papers.
  • All applicants will need to submit a copy of their medical insurance.
  • All applicants will need to submit proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status. U.S. citizens may submit a copy of their birth certificate or passport. Permanent residents will need to provide a copy of their alien registration card.
  • All applicants will be required to completed human resources paperwork for Penn ID & Pennkey.
  • Complete all online trainings including: lab safety, blood borne pathogens, & radiation safety training.

Disclaimer: The Airways Biology Initiative Summer Research Program is a day program only. There is no housing available and students must arrange for transportation to and from campus daily.

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