Applications for the 2026 internship are closed.
2027 Explorations in Neuroscience Internship
Information about the 2027 Explorations in Neuroscience Internship will be released in January 2027. Details about how to apply and queries about the program will be answered at that time. If you would like to be notified when program information is available, please complete our inquiry form for future notification.
Program overview
The Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program is a National Institute of Health (NIH) funded program that provides an opportunity for high school students to experience biomedical research and learn from trained mentors during a 8-week paid internship. Participants will gain hands-on research experience in Neuroscience, Neurological Injury, or Neurodegeneration while exploring Neuroscience as an undergraduate major and career choice.
It is expected that this program will encourage participants to explore undergraduate degrees in neuroscience, excel in high quality neuroscience research experiences, and promote the development of a strong cohort of young investigators dedicated to neurological disease research. Not only will high school students work directly with a trained mentor, but they will also learn from graduate students and technicians working within the lab.
Mission
The mission for the Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program is to provide substantial experiences and professional development activities to support future participation of high school students in Neuroscience, in undergraduate Neurological Disease Research, Neuroscience Majors, and careers in Neuroscience Research. This program is designed to provide a strong foundation for early neuroscientists to excel in competitive research programs.
Who is eligible?
- Rising juniors or seniors in High School
- Students with an interest in a biomedical research career
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals or permanent residents
Why choose the Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program?
- An intensive research experience in an active and dynamic laboratory
- Research mentoring by renowned leaders in their chosen field
- Access to state of the art facilities and the ability to perform research in a collaborative and open environment
- Practical exposure to active laboratories in the OSU Department of Neuroscience
- Access to mentors that can provide first hand advice on what it takes to succeed in the field of Neuroscience today
- Participation in the Explorations in Neuroscience journal club and formal training in reading and presenting primary literature
- Ample networking opportunities including lab meetings, group journal clubs, etc.
- Guidance and training for the experience to present research findings at the end of the 8-week program
For additional information or questions, please email us at OSUNeuroIntern@osumc.edu.
Frequently asked questions
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The program is designed for high school students interested in learning the process and engaging in basic neuroscience research. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The program is open to nationwide applicants.
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The program does not require a specific grade point average or science background for eligibility. Selection is based on a holistic review of your application, including your interest in neuroscience and motivations.
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No, previous experience is not necessary. This program specifically seeks to provide a seminal (first time) experience for interns. If you already have authentic research experience, you must provide a strong rationale in your application for why you need additional experience.
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Yes. Interns are compensated their time in the 8-week program.
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The application requires basic information about you, like your name and age, and essay answers. One essay should explain your interest in the program, interest in neuroscience and your goals, while the second should describe a challenge you have encountered and how you handled it.
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Most of your time (the bulk of the 40-hour week) will be spent in a host laboratory performing hands-on research on projects related to neuroscience or neurological disease. Additionally, you will participate in weekly:
- Developmental workshops: Focused on professional skills and scientific communication.
- Journal clubs: Where you learn to analyze primary scientific literature.
- Site visits and networking: Opportunities to explore different research areas, tools and technologies, and meet neuroscience professionals.
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This is a pre-clinical, laboratory-based research internship. The focus is on bench research, the fundamental science that happens in a lab before human interventions, to understand how the brain works and why neurological diseases occur.
It is important to note that this program does not involve clinical shadowing or patient care. You will not be following physicians on hospital rounds or interacting with patients in a medical setting. Instead, you will be in a research environment working with tools like microscopes, cell cultures, or model organisms.
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To us, a research experience is more than just watching, it is active participation in the scientific method. As an intern, you will:
- Contribute to a project: Work on a specific scientific question that is part of your mentor’s ongoing research. Interns will participate in a pre-designed project guided by bench mentors.
- Learn techniques: Gain hands-on skills in laboratory protocols (such as pipetting, imaging, or data analysis).
- Analyze data: Learn how to interpret results and understand what they mean for the field of neuroscience.
- Communicate science: Summarize your findings and present them to the scientific community at our final poster session.
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Research placements are determined through a matching process. Each year, several Ohio State laboratories, Principal Investigators (the lead scientists in charge of the lab), and bench mentors (scientists who will work directly with you) volunteer to host an intern. These laboratories design specific projects that are achievable within eight weeks and contribute to their ongoing scientific discoveries. When making assignments, we carefully review the interests you expressed in your application to find a strong match. Please keep in mind that placements are dependent on which specific laboratories and projects are available each summer.
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In the final week of the program, all interns prepare and present a scientific poster, similar to those seen at professional scientific conferences, detailing their research project and findings. This event is attended by the OSU neuroscience community, as well as family and friends.
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No. Participants must certify that they are available for the entire duration of the internship. Because the program is only 8 weeks and involves intensive laboratory training, full attendance is a prerequisite for participation.
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Yes, we welcome applicants from across Ohio and out-of-state. Please note that you must be able to arrange your own housing and daily transportation to campus, as these are not provided by the program.