The Biomedical Engineering Department and Center for Artificial Intelligence Research at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will offer several summer research opportunities in 2026 to undergraduate and master's students. The program is funded by an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) award: Imaging and Mechanics-based Projects on Accidental Cases of Trauma (IMPACT), an NIH R25 award: Creative Applied Learning in Biomedical Informatics Research (CALIBIR). A broad array of biomedical engineering and informatics projects are offered. Students selected for this program will receive a stipend and on-campus housing. The research internship program will be offered between May 26 to July 31, 2026.
Research Project Highlights
Exciting projects are offered on topics including:
- Injury prediction model development.
- Finite element modeling applied to trauma.
- Military, sports and spaceflight safety.
- Osteoporosis prevention.
- Diagnostics and therapies for cancer patients.
- Biomechanical injury mechanisms.
- Biomedical informatics.
- Medical device testing and prototyping.
- Imaging and artificial intelligence.
- Academic Learning Health Care Systems.
- Development and use of machine learning based algorithms.
View our program's 2026 research project description list (PDF) to learn more about the 40+ research projects offered this summer!
Program Requirements
The Wake Forest Biomedical Engineering and Informatics summer program admits up to 50 students each summer. To participate in the program starting May 26, 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- 18 years or older by the start of the program.
- Completed at least two semesters of undergraduate or master’s education.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
- Actively enrolled as an undergraduate or master’s student at a US academic institution.
- If you graduate before May 27, 2026, you are not eligible to participate.
- Open to: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals. U.S. permanent residents, and international students attending a U.S. institution under a J-1 or F-1 visa
Note: Limited spots are available for international students due to grant eligibility. - Students from Wake Forest University, WSSU, Salem College, and local community colleges are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Students from academic institutions with limited research opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are highly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Submit an application online, including:
- 1-pg personal statement.
- Resume/CV.
- Academic transcript(s).
- One academic/professional reference required.
- References are encouraged to submit an optional letter of recommendation.
Application opens: October 2025
Application deadline: January 30, 2026
On-campus, shared apartment-style housing at Wake Forest University’s Reynolda Campus is provided and funded by the Biomedical Engineering and Informatics Summer Research Program for non-local participants. Additional housing information will be provided once all applicants have been selected.
Move-in day: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Move-out day: Friday, July 31, 2026
Are letters of recommendation required?
A letter of recommendation is optional but highly encouraged. One academic reference is required and should be submitted via our online application. Please provide the following: Reference’s name, title, email address, phone number and relationship to you. No personal references accepted. Once provided their information in your online application, your reference will automatically receive an email request to complete a reference form, where they will have the option to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
Are academic transcripts required?
Academic transcripts are required. Transcripts can be official or unofficial, and submitted via our application site.
What is the minimum GPA for acceptance?
Recommended minimum GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
When will I be notified of acceptance?
Decisions start mid-February 2026 until all positions are filled. Students will be notified of their final acceptance or rejection by the beginning of April 2026.
What are the dates of the program?
The dates for the program will be between May 26 and July 31, 2026.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes. Applicants must be 18 years of age on or before the first day of the summer program and have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate education by the start of the summer research program.
What are the program requirements?
- Orientation
- 10 weeks of research
- Professional development seminars/training/workshops
- Oral presentation (PowerPoint symposium)
What are the program objectives?
- To introduce students to the field of biomedical engineering and informatics and broaden their knowledge
- To educate students about the societal implications of their research
- To cultivate mentoring relationships between the interns and the graduate student and faculty mentors
- To provide research experiences that will promote independent problem-solving skills
Will I do collaborative or individual work?
There will be opportunities for both collaborative and individual work.
Do I need prior experience in the project research field?
No prior experience is required but encouraged (consult project descriptions).
May I also take summer classes?
Unfortunately, as per our program policy, interns attending our program are highly discouraged from taking courses during the internship program so they may solely focus on their research experience here at Wake Forest. This can affect your application if you are registered for summer classes.
If I’ve already interned at Wake’s BME program, may I apply again?
Yes, you may apply even if you’ve previously been through the program. However, preference for most positions is reserved for students who have not interned with us in prior summers.
If I cannot stay for the entire duration of the program, may I still apply?
Technically yes, but we receive hundreds of applications each year. First preference is given to students who can participate for the full 10-week program. We prefer for our students to commit to the entire internship, but please indicate days you’d be unavailable on the application and reasons for any absence. Students are required to participate in the presentation symposium on Thursday July 30, 2026.
Do I need to bring a car?
We recommend bringing a vehicle if you are able. Otherwise, we offer multiple shuttle services from campus housing to the research labs throughout Winston-Salem. Past students have found having a car or carpooling advantageous.
I am bringing a car. Do I need to purchase a parking permit?
No. Parking permits will be provided.
Are there any observed holidays during the summer?
Yes, Juneteenth (6/19) and July 4 (U.S. Independence Day) are observed holidays.
What type of housing is provided?
Shared apartment-style housing will be provided to non-local students.
Are travel expenses covered?
Travel expenses to and from the program are not covered.
What should I wear?
In this internship, students will interact on a regular basis with other professionals within Wake Forest, including faculty, clinicians and staff. Thus, we need to meet the mandate of neat, clean and appropriate attire. Interns should dress in business casual attire while on-site at any Wake Forest location, and on any work-related video calls. For those working in research laboratories must follow employee health guidelines and wear closed toe shoes and long pants.
How many students typically apply?
More than 600 students typically apply each year.
What is your COVID-19 vaccine policy?
COVID-19 vaccines are no longer mandatory for employees, students or interns.
Proof of other immunizations are required once accepted into the program (see list below):
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- The Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, often called PTI for short, the closest airport to the Wake Forest Biomedical Engineering Department located at Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem, is about a 30-minute drive.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is about a 90-minute drive to Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem.
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) is about a two-hour drive to Innovation Quarter.