Applications for the 2024 program will open on November 15, 2023. An interactive online information session will be provided early December 2023. Complete application and program details will be provided with online application deadline of January 15, 2024.
| The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine will offer several summer research opportunities for undergraduate students focused on exciting, multidisciplinary, team-based research at the intersection of engineering and biology with focus on many of today's most challenging areas of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). TERM is a highly interdisciplinary field involving a diverse array of participants with science and engineering backgrounds, including molecular and cellular biology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, biotechnology and materials science. |
The ability to engineer functional tissues and organs in the laboratory requires the coordinated expertise of many disciplines of science, engineering and clinical practice, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, engineering and physiology. Through its annual Summer Scholars Program, the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) offers undergraduate students' opportunities to experience this exciting, multidisciplinary research firsthand.
The 2024 program will be held from Monday, June 3, 2024, to Thursday, August 8, 2024. Students accepted to the program will carry out research under the supervision of prominent biomedical scientists, write a research summary, conduct an oral presentation and have the opportunity to see their work published. Selected scholars receive a $6,000 stipend for the 10-week period and housing at Wake Forest dorms.
The program includes:
- Individually tailored research with faculty mentor(s)
- Short courses and seminars on alternating topics in regenerative medicine
- Professional development workshops
- Participation in final research symposium and poster session
- Social and networking events
- Graduate and medical school advising
- Opportunities to present your research in oral and poster format at WFIRM and professional meetings
| Online Application Opens | November 15, 2023 |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2024 |
| Notifications Begin | February 19, 2024 |
| Notifications End | All applicants will be notified by March 15, 2024 |
| Program Start Date | June 3, 2024 |
| Program End Date | August 8, 2024 |
How should I respond to the essay questions?
Each of the essay questions should be answered separately with each response limited to 500 words in length. Do not exceed the word limit.
Are letters of recommendation or transcripts required?
Yes. We must receive an official transcript of your undergraduate study to date and two letters of recommendation before the application deadline.
Who should write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Letters of recommendation could be written by professors related to your major, an advisor and/or department chair. We encourage you to find individuals who can best speak to your qualifications, character, interest and commitment to engaging in research and advance education and training in STEM disciplines broadly, as well as and to extent possible, regenerative medicine more specifically.
How should I submit my Letter(s) of Recommendation and Official Transcript?
Letters of recommendation and official transcripts may be emailed to summerscholar@wakehealth.edu.
Or postal mailed to:
Attn: Joan F. Schanck, MPA, Director, Summer Scholar Program
Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Suite 199
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Will I be penalized if my recommendation letter is sent in late?
Yes. All application materials, including letters of recommendation and transcripts, must be submitted on or before the application deadline. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted after the due date. Your application will not be reviewed if it is not complete; including the letters of recommendation.
What is the minimum GPA for acceptance?
Cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher (on the 4.0 scale).
Can I mail a hard copy of my application?
No. We cannot accept hard copies of applications. Only online applications will be reviewed; however, official transcripts and letters of recommendation may be emailed or postal mailed as described above.
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
In order to be eligible, you must be U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S. or be eligible to work in the U.S. at WFIRM for the 10-week summer program. International students who currently have a J-1 or F-1 visa and who are already attending school in the United States are also eligible to apply.
Do you have to be in college to apply?
Yes. You must be currently enrolled at time of application in a degree-granting program at an undergraduate college, community college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico or other U.S. territory.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes. Applicants must be 18 years of age on or before the first day of the summer scholars program and meet the following additional criteria: Have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate education by the start of the Summer Scholar Program and a committed/interested in pursuing Postgraduate education.
When will I be notified of acceptance?
Decisions start mid-February and will continue until all scholars have been selected. All applicants will be notified by March 15, 2024.
What are the dates of the program?
The dates for the program will be between June 3, 2024, and August 8, 2024.
What are the program requirements?
- Orientation
- 10 weeks of research
- Professional development seminars/training/workshops and RME course
- Final Research Day Oral Presentation and Poster
What are the program objectives?
- To introduce students to the field of regenerative medicine and broaden their knowledge
- To enhance students’ excitement and sustained interest in research at the intersection of engineering and medicine with focus on the field of regenerative medicine
- To cultivate meaningful relationships between the interns, graduate student and faculty mentors
- To foster skill transference and exposure to modern instrumentation and rigorous analysis methods
- To educate students about the societal impact of their research
- To provide opportunities to enhance communication skills
- To develop interest and excitement for team-based studies and advanced education
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.
May I also take summer classes?
We strongly prefer for our students to not take summer courses so they can concentrate on the internship and participate in all program activities.
If I’ve already participated in the WFIRM Summer Scholars Program, can I apply again?
Yes, if you continue to meet all eligibility requirements, you may apply even if you’ve previously been through the program.
If I cannot stay for the entire duration of the program, may I still apply?
You are required to participate in the full length of the program.
Do I need to bring a car?
We recommend bringing a vehicle; however, carpooling with other students is always possible and there is a shuttle service and public transportation in the region. 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, July 4ᵗʰ is an observed holiday.
What type of housing is available?
Housing is provided through the Wake Forest University Reynolda campus (dormitory style). Information supplied upon selection.
Are travel expenses covered?
No, travel expenses are not paid by the program.
How much will I be paid?
You will be paid a $6,000 stipend.
What should I wear?
As you are working in a lab environment, you can learn more about both lab etiquette and what to wear in the Guidelines for being a good lab citizen at WFIRM document.
How many students typically apply?
Typically, 300-350 students apply to the program each year.
Introducing the 2023 WFIRM Summer Scholars
| Undergraduate Summer Scholar | Primary Faculty Mentor(s) |
| Asmaa Alawbali Chemical Engineering North Carolina A&T State University Daniella Beiner BME University of Mississippi Brandon Bell Bioengineering North Carolina A&T State University Kyle Cheung Integrative Neuroscience and Environmental Studies Binghamton University Michelle Ebu Biomedical Engineering Miami University Kaci Gordon Biology Purdue University Bailey Hadley Biology North Carolina A&T State University Evan Halvorson Biology/Pre-Medicine University of North Dakota Fahad Janjua Biology Wake Forest University
Elsa King Biomedical Engineering Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Karishma Lawrence Molecular Environmental Biology University of California, Berkeley Stephanie Leon Biomedical Engineering North Carolina A&T State University Quinn Morris Associate of Science, Biology Concentration Wake Technical Community College Anna Munro Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Wake Forest University Christine Ogbuebile Biology Pennsylvania State University Ethan Potts Biomedical Engineering University of Arkansas Samuel Ramirez Biology Elon University Danielle Rice Biomedical Engineering North Carolina A&T State University Jacqueline Saulnier Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bryn Mawr College Richard Silk Science – Business University of Notre Dame
Emily Silva Biology Wake Forest University Andrew Spong Mathematics Duke University Priya Tomerlin Microbiology and Cell Science University of Florida
Maritza Torres-Martinez Psychology and Chemistry North Carolina A&T State University Evan Zelt Computer Science Wake Forest University |
Sang Jin Lee, PhD Professor, WFIRM Yuanyuan Zhang, MD, PhD
Steve Walker, PhD
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is about a 90-minute drive to WFIRM.
Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) is about a 2-hour drive to WFIRM.
There are shuttles to and from GSO, CLT and RDU to Wake Forest in addition to Ride Share services.