As one of the top research universities in the United States, Case Western Reserve highly values student research that provides opportunities for active learning, practical experience, and training. Discover research opportunities offered by the university and Cleveland-area hospitals and organizations below.
Undergraduate Summer Research
University Opportunities
- The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Cancer-focused Summer Undergraduate Research (CanSUR) Program supports 32 undergraduates for a 10-week period from June through August to work in labs with cancer researchers at Case Western Reserve University. Students receive a $5,000 stipend for the program, and housing and travel allowances are available for select appointees.
- The Cleveland & Columbus Kidney, Urology and Hematology Research (C2KUHR) Summer Research Fellowship is an eight-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—under the guidance of Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University research mentors.
- The Department of Biochemistry’s Hanson Summer Research Scholar Program aims to give undergraduate students an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need for a career in biochemical or basic science research.
- The Department of Nutrition’s Wharton Summer Student Research Program is 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.
- The Department of Pharmacology’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a 10-week, hands-on research program that trains and fosters the next generations of pharmacology researchers and doctors. This program is dedicated to rising juniors and seniors who major in biomedical sciences, including but not limited to chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering and others.
- The National Center for Regenerative Medicine’s ENGAGE Program gives undergraduate, master's or medical students interested in stem cell and regenerative medicine research the opportunity to work alongside renowned scientific investigators. Trainees receive a $4,000 summer stipend.
- The Research Institute for Children's Health’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program is a 10-week, hands-on opportunity during which students work with directly with 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.
Greater Cleveland Opportunities
- The Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program provides undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates an opportunity to work for 11 weeks in Cleveland-area nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.
- The MetroHealth Chester Summer Scholars Program is a 10-week program in clinical or laboratory research settings at MetroHealth Medical Center that includes observation of surgery and hospital rounds. This program is 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.
- Summer on the Cuyahoga (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. The program includes free housing at Clevealnd State University, 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 November to March, and interviews and offers/acceptances occur according to each employer's schedule.
- Undergraduate Research Programs at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute offer various opportunities for juniors and seniors to gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and to explore careers in biomedical research.
Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP)
The MSSRP is a 12-week opportunity for M1 and M2 students to conduct research that supports the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases' (NIDDK) mission, including basic, translational and clinical research on diabetes, metabolism and nutrition, and digestive, liver and kidney diseases.