Undergraduate Summer Research

As one of the top research universities in the United States, Case Western Reserve University highly values student research which provides opportunities for active learning, practical experience, and training. Below is a list of summer research opportunities for undergraduate students offered by the University, School of Medicine or in the Cleveland area:

  • Academic Careers in Engineering and Science for Minority Students: A 10-week, biomedical research program for minority undergraduate students in science and engineering.
  • Cancer-focused Summer Undergraduate Research (CanSUR): The goal of the Cancer-focused Summer Undergraduate Research program is to generate excitement for a future career in cancer research in highly motivated undergraduates and help them prepare for the next stage of their careers. The CanSUR Program supports 32 undergraduates for a 10-week period (June through August) each summer and provides a $4,000 stipend. Undergraduates will be accepted from colleges and universities from across the country to work with one of 82 Case Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers.
  • CREATE KUH: An 8-week, summer research program that provides undergraduates and high school students with opportunities to perform basic and clinical research in various biomedical fields including but not limited to kidney, urological, and blood disorders. The research is conducted under the guidance of Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University research mentors. There is a $3,000 stipend awarded. 
  • ENGAGE: The ENGAGE summer research training program supports undergraduate, master's or medical students interested in stem cell and regenerative medicine research. Students are provided opportunities for scientific growth by working with our renowned scientific investigators.
  • Heart, Lung and Blood Summer Research Program (NHLBI): A 10-week program designed to engage 12 under-represented or disadvantaged undergraduates and 8 first year medical students in state of the art biomedical research in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematological, and sleep disorder research.
  • Intensive Summer Education Program in Translational Research for Underrepresented Students Program (INSPIRE-US): A 10-week summer program addressing the underrepresentation of racial minorities as scientists and in other CTS-related careers. Our program is designed for undergraduates and will allow participants to explore diverse career paths, gain hands-on research experiences, and build a network of mentors and peers. The program aims to give you the skills and confidence for a successful CTS-related career. $8,000 stipend and funds available for participants.
  • MetroHealth Chester Scholars Program: A 10-week program in clinical or laboratory research settings at MetroHealth Medical Center that includes observation of surgery and hospital rounds. Open to 15 students who have completed their second year of undergraduate studies in the sciences, and who are either an Ohio resident or attend an Ohio university.
  • Research Institute for Children's Health: A 10-week, hands-on opportunity during which students work with directly with our investigators. The areas of research range greatly and include bench research in biochemistry, genetics and physiology. Students are provided a stipend of $3,500 for the 10 weeks along with campus housing, if needed, and the opportunity to attend a biomedical science research conference for which travel, registration and housing expenses will be paid.
  • Summer on the Cuyahoga Internships (SOTC): SOTC offers paid internships in a variety of fields including finance, technology, marketing, IT, human resources and entrepreneurialism. About 60 students from Case Western Reserve University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Denison University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Smith College, University of Chicago and Yale University participate in SOTC, and the program also includes free housing at CSU, an immersion program into the civic, cultural and social opportunities in Greater Cleveland, and connections to CWRU alumni hosts.  Employers post positions on the SOTC website from Nov - March, and interviews and offers/acceptances occur according to each employer's schedule.
  • Undergraduate Research in Pharmacology: A 10-week, hands-on research program in molecular pharmacology offered through Case Western Reserve University's Department of Pharmacology, and funded, in part, by the American Society for Pharmacology and Therapeutics-sponsored Summer Program in Undergraduate Research. Open to those completing their sophomore or junior year, who have strong academic records and have completed at least one laboratory course prior to application.
  • Undergraduate Research, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute: Various opportunities for juniors and seniors to gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and to explore careers in biomedical research.
  • The Cleveland Foundation Summer Internships Program: Since 1999, the Cleveland Foundation has conducted a summer internship program that provides undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates an opportunity to work for 11 weeks in Cleveland-area nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.
  • The NASA Glenn Research Center Research Internships: The Lewis' Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Project at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio consists of internships for High School Students, College Students, and Secondary School Teachers.
  • Wharton Summer Student Research Program (for current CWRU undergraduates): A paid, 10-week opportunity for rising junior and senior undergraduate students majoring in nutrition at CWRU to participate in research projects under the direction of faculty members in the Department of Nutrition and nutrition researchers in the greater Cleveland area. Participating students receive a stipend and are expected to devote 32-40 hours per week to their projects for the full 10-weeks.