Undergraduate Fellowship Program at CVI

The American Heart Association Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program at Penn Cardiovascular Institute allows undergraduates, including those who are underrepresented in medicine or from smaller institutions without extensive research programs, to gain exposure to state-of-the-art cardiovascular research.  Prior research experience is not required.  The types of research at CVI include, but are not limited to: cardiovascular molecular and cellular biology; physiology; vascular biology; genetics; metabolism; clinical research; and implementation science.  This immersive 10-week program offers students hands-on experience in laboratories with faculty mentors who are members of CVI.  In addition, undergraduate interns will have the opportunity to participate in seminar series, networking, and an end-of-summer symposium.  This internship is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing advanced biomedical degrees to have a research-focused experience in cardiovascular science.  Download our program flyer!

Summer Program Dates

Th fellowship program will run from Monday, June 2, 2025 through Friday, August 8, 2025.  Participants must commit to the program for its duration.  Participants can expect to engage in lab and program activities for approximately 40 hours per week. 

Eligibility

  • Student applicants must be enrolled at a 4-year college or university.  Students must be classified at sophomore, junior, or senior academic status at the time of award activation (June 2025) or may complete the fellowship immediately following graduation.
  • Students must be able to attend the full, 10-week program. 
  • At the time of application, the student must be a United States citizen, or foreign national holding a student, exchange, or permanent resident visa, including an F-1, H1, H1B, J1, PR, or TN. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status requires additional AHA approval to apply.
  • Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including those from diverse backgrounds, such as those with socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, students who have experienced obstacles to their career due to membership in a racial or ethnic group, LGBTQ students, first generation college students, and students with disabilities. 

Compensation

Students will receive a $6,000 stipend, as well as funds to travel to a scientific meeting.  The cost of housing will be partially offset or fully covered depending on additional funding sources.  We cannot guarantee full housing coverage in addition to the stipend at this time.

 

Admissions

We are no longer accepting applications for Summer 2025.  The application deadline was 5pm Eastern Standard Time on Monday, February 3, 2025.  If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact Emily Romick, Program Coordinator.  

Overview of Fellowship

AHA Summer Fellowship Alumni

If you have any questions about the program or submitting an application, please contact Emily Romick, Program Coordinator.