Summer Research Internships

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum amount of time the intern must spend on research?

Yes. Each intern must participate at least half time; however, preference will be given to applicants willing to commit to full-time participation at least 40 hours per week, with approximately 30-35 hours per week associated with research, and 5-10 hours per week spent in lectures/workshops, classroom lessons, and preparing for poster presentations.

I've never done any laboratory research before, and I don't know what's expected of me. I'm afraid I'll get to the lab and be totally lost.

We know our interns may never have done research before, and so we will provide you with some basic training. If you will be researching in a laboratory setting, you will be required to complete the online Laboratory Safety Training Class presented by UA Risk Management. In addition, we will offer a Basic Laboratory Skills Workshop during the first week of the internship. This workshop will include learning how to use a pipettor and make a dilution to amplifying a gene, and learning how to measure protein expression. These activities are commonly used in research laboratories and can be used in your classroom in the future.

Can prospective applicants access the database to see what mentors are available?

Yes -- you can access the database with this link:

http://www.biochem.arizona.edu/AZ-START/mentors.htm

Can the research be conducted out of state?

No. The research must be done in Arizona.

Do I have to come to Tucson for the Lab Skills workshop?

Yes. Attendance is mandatory.

But I don't live in Tucson. Will I have to get a motel room?

We will provide on-campus housing for you during this week.

Do I need to know what project I will work on?

No. We will help match you up with an appropriate mentor and project. However, it's very helpful to have a project in mind.

There's a riparian ecosystem right by my school. Could I work on a project there?

Yes, and we'll help you find an appropriate mentor.

Can I get University credit for my research experience?

Yes, you may. In fact, you are required to enroll in 1 unit of Internship, which will cost about $400. You may enroll in additional units of credit if you wish for professional development purposes, realizing that the cost will rise accordingly.

How about research supplies? Is there any money to pay for that?

Yes. Each intern may spend up to $1,500 for research supplies related to this project.

I live in Smalltown, Arizona, and there is no place close by where I can do my research. Can I still participate?

Yes, certainly! You may have to commute occasionally in order to meet with your mentor, but you could conduct your research at a site close to your home. Or, if would work for you, you could spend the summer living near a university doing your research in a university lab. We will do our best to help you work out a reasonable solution for you.

When would I receive the $7,200?

If accepted as an intern, you would receive timesheets every two weeks so you may track the time you spend on your research activities. You would receive half the money at the start of the summer, and the balance at the end of the summer.

What are the dates?

To be announced.

What kind of research can I do?

You may select any area of biological science for your research. In the past, teachers have done research on desert ecology, cancer biology, stem cells, plant nematodes, insect biology, neurobiology, riparian ecosystems, and much, much more.

I can't afford to pay $400 for the Internship class. What should I do?

We will award you $$3,600 at the start of June, which you may use to pay your registration fees and other expenses.

I don't live in Tucson. Where will I stay during the
Orientation/Training week?

We will provide out-of-town interns with on-campus housing and parking during this week.

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