RockEDU Lulu Wang Scholars 

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION: The Rockefeller University is a research university that draws top scientists and graduate students from around the world in pursuit of one mission: to conduct science for the benefit of humanity. Based in Manhattan, the Rockefeller is a vibrant, collaborative community that is actively dedicated to basic research, solving urgent public health problems, and educating the next generation of scientists. 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: RockEDU Science Outreach represents the collective science engagement and research education efforts at The Rockefeller University. RockEDU connects scientific and non-scientific communities to engage in the wonder of science as a justice-centered process integral to our humanity. Our primary audiences are scientists, high school students, and undergraduate students. RockEDU programs help to instill a lifelong love of science by providing authentic hands-on laboratory experiences with trained mentors. RockEDU students learn the experimental techniques necessary to gain a strong foundation of research skills. From skill-building workshops to internships to mentorship training, we approach our work by supporting humanity as much as we support science. Take a look at our community norms and values here.

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION: Lulu Wang Scholars will work with Rockefeller scientists to develop, refine, and package a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), building off an existing curriculum to expand the content and develop new training protocols. This undergraduate research course will provide deep learning around essential laboratory techniques, approaches, and applications for early undergraduate STEM students with limited research experience. In particular, Lulu Wang Scholars will be focusing on developing bioinformatics and computational techniques supplemented with relevant wet lab work. Scholars will receive authorship credit for course co-creation, representing a valuable, marketable item to include as part of a professional portfolio.

Although the ultimate goal is the creation of course content, Lulu Wang Scholars will have a holistic, supported research experience. They will collaborate with their scientist mentors to frame research questions, generate, collect, and analyze experimental data, and refine experimental models and approaches. Scholars will also have access to core RockEDU programming which includes scientific courses, workshops, guest lectures and other enrichment activities as well as social events. The goal of this internship is to provide Scholars with the opportunity to both build upon their previous research training and to create research tools that will support other undergraduate students' scientific training. 

Fellowship

  • Scholars will receive a $6000 fellowship.
  • Off-site housing will be provided. RockEDU will cover travel (via public transit) between off-site housing and Rockefeller.

Format

  • In-person at the Rockefeller University; off-site housing will be provided
  • The internship runs from May 26– August 6, 2026 and requires up to 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday
  • The first four weeks of the internship involve participating in the CURE course to learn the content and techniques. The rest of the summer will be experimentation and optimization to further optimize the program and design new modules.

Application

  • Students must apply through this link.
  • The appliction deadline is March 1, 2026 by 5:00 PM EST
  • Eligibility and Requirements
    • For this opportunity, we are seeking junior and senior level students (graduating seniors and non-graduating seniors are eligible) who have previous or current research experience, laboratory experience, and/or advanced science coursework to apply.
    • Ideal candidates will have an interest in integrating science education and communication into their research training and skill set.
    • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Application Requirements

    In addition to providing contact information and educational information, applicants will be required to answer the short responses below and upload a resume.

    Short Responses: Answer each question separately in 250 words per question.

    The Lulu Wang Scholars (LWS) program spans across 2 summers. For the first summer the program’s focus is on experimental design and optimization, while during the second summer, the primary focus is on research curriculum implementation and refinement in the context of student learning. With this in mind, please answer the following questions:

    1. Reflect on how your personal history and identity influence your passion for science. Consider how your background and experiences either inform, support, or challenge your interest in scientific exploration.
    2. Experimental design, optimization, and protocol writing are essential components of traditional science research. What do you hope to gain from this facet of the LWS program? You may reflect on a time that you’ve optimized a process in the past, consider what you learned in the experience.
    3. Teaching, mentorship, and student feedback are essential elements for effective curriculum implementation and refinement. What motivates you to deepen your teaching and mentorship practice alongside gaining scientific research skills?

    CV or Resume: Submit resume as a PDF

Additional information can be found on the RockEDU website.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Jen Bohn (jbohn@rockefeller.edu).