Homeschooled High School Student Summer Internship Opportunity at MIT

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Homeschooled High School Student Summer Internship Opportunity at MIT -- Spend your summer learning and doing state-of-the-art science in an MIT Research Lab!

Prof. Matt Shoulders' Group (http://shoulderslab.mit.edu/): The Shoulders Lab is broadly interested in understanding protein folding in human cells, with a focus on the development of new methods to treat currently incurable, protein misfolding-related diseases.
Prof. Michael Strano's Group (http://srg.mit.edu/): The Strano Lab is offering projects in the area of plant biology, medicine, and energy applications. Specifically we are offering projects for the design and incorporation of nanoparticles into living plants for new functions such as chemical sensing, infrared communications and light emission. There are also projects on energy harvesting from ambient heat, and sensors to help treat diabetes and cancer.

Details: In total, we will be hosting 2–4 high school students from the homeschooled community for 8 weeks this summer (~20 hours/week of work in lab and 10 hours/week of study outside lab). Additional labs beyond the Shoulders and Strano Groups may also host students. If you are interested in a career in science or engineering, this opportunity is a great way to gain experience and learn what it is all about. You will be directly mentored by an MIT PhD student to participate in frontier research in chemical biology, chemical engineering, or the like, gain experience in both basic and advanced lab skills, become acquainted with the scientific literature, and present at scientific meetings.

Requirements: Appropriate candidates for this internship will be homeschooled high school sophomores or juniors at least 16 years of age by June 1, committed and mature, have a very strong interest in chemistry, biology, and/or bioengineering, and a solid science background at the high school level. The internship will involve a time commitment of ~30 hours/week over the 8-week period, paid at a rate of $11.50/hour. Candidates must be able to participate continuously in the internship from June 10–August 2. This opportunity does not include travel, MIT housing, or other accommodation. Parents will be responsible for all such arrangements, including provisions for local guardianship for the student. MIT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. All candidates are welcome.

How to Apply for the Internship: Send your resume, high school transcript, and a two-page description of your background, what motivates you to pursue scientific research, and the types of research that most interest you to Betty Lou McClanahan (blm@mit.edu) by March 10, 2019. Candidates will be selected for phone interviews approximately mid-March.