Seeking student rock STARs: Gain new skills this summer at NIA
January 12, 2023

Arlene JACKSON,
Associate Training Director,
Office of the Scientific Director (OSD).

If you’re a highly motivated student seeking real-world biomedical research skills, it’s time to apply for the NIA Intramural Research Program’s Summer Training in Aging Research (STAR) Program. Over the program’s 30-year history, NIA scientists have mentored more than 1,350 summer interns, many of whom have gone on to have robust careers in aging research.

STAR, part of the wider NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) in Biomedical Research, attracts a diverse cohort of applicants for eight-week, paid internships with the NIA Intramural Research Program located in Baltimore and/or the NIA and NIH Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias labs and facilities in Bethesda, Maryland. STAR is open to high school, college, medical school, and graduate students.

STAR can be a great experience, whether or not you’re sure you want a career in research. Through this program, NIA researchers teach scientific and lab techniques that connect to multiple biological fields. The STAR curriculum also features scientific seminars, research poster presentation skills, and NIA staff career mentorship, including help preparing professional (medical, dental, public health, etc.) and graduate school applications. Some participants may even have the opportunity to coauthor a peer-reviewed journal article.

Last summer, 52 students participated in STAR through a hybrid program of onsite and virtual internships. The 2023 program is currently scheduled to be held in person.

Praise from previous STAR students

The STAR experience can all add up to a valuable step in your career development. But don’t take my word for it, let’s hear from some summer 2022 participants:

• “My experience at NIA has blossomed not only my scientific intellect but also my communication with others, mental wellness, and self-confidence.” — Sarah Zoeteman, Florida Gulf Coast University
• “Working at NIA has been a wonderful opportunity to confirm what I already enjoy about science, while also introducing me to new ideas and research skills that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.” — Daniel Gai, Washington University in St. Louis

Participation criteria, how to apply

Apply online through the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education website. You can also find written (PDF, 168K) and video application tips. After students submit their online applications, they must contact me to ensure they are placed in the NIA applicant pool for consideration.

To participate in STAR, students must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited U.S. high school, college, or university, and must be at least 17 years old by June 15 of the internship year. Application deadlines are:

• Feb. 1 for high school students
• March 1 for college, medical school, and graduate students

If you have questions about these summer programs, or are a past STAR participant, please share a comment below!