OPS Special Projects

The Kenan Fellows High School Student Summer Research interns will have the opportunity to: (1) become comfortable in a laboratory setting; (2) increase your research skills; (3) learn to think critically about the theory and application of interdisciplinary biomedical research; and (4) increase your proficiency in communicating scientific concepts. This internship is intended for students interested in gaining experience as a scientist and learning about career opportunities in biomedical research.

The following materials are required to be considered for the program:

• A cover letter or letter of intent (personal statement)describing your reason for applying to the internship.  See special instructions for more information.
• An unofficial school or academic transcript.  If dual enrolled, please provide a college transcript as well.  
• An academic resume or CV.
• Two science or math teachers references.
• Ability to work from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from June 2nd to August 1st.
• Assignment length (1) week at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) Gardens campus, and (8) weeks at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute.

 Stipend of $4,480.00 for the entirety of the internship, to be paid out biweekly over the eight-week program.

Acceptance into the Kenan Fellows High School Student Summer Internship is awarded on a competitive basis to Palm Beach and Martin County high school students entering their junior and senior year after the summer.

Students must be 16 years of age by June 6, 2025.

This summer internship position is full-time for nine weeks. The intern will be expected to be on campus every day unless they have an approved reason, such as illness. The participant must attend a biotechnology course at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) Gardens campus every day from June 2nd to June 5th.

Acceptance of family members of existing University of Florida employees in the program will be subject to compliance with the UF’s nepotism policy.

• Experience in research laboratories not needed.  This is a training internship.  However, student should demonstrate passion for science and mathematics through participation in school and extracurricular activities, additional courses, or volunteering.  
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.  
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally. 
• Ability to work and maintain effective professional relationships with others.  

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter or letter of interest (Personal statement).  Please include responses to the following questions:

• Your education and/or career goals. 
• Why are you interested in this program?
• What are your goals for this experience?
• What career paths are you considering?
• Are you passionate about science and research? How? Why?
• Are you passionate about science communication? How? Why?
• Describe a situation when you experienced a setback. How did that affect you personally and your approach to the problem you were working on?  In general, we want to hear how you feel about how obstacles and adversity play a role in reaching your academic objectives.

You also need to upload an academic CV or resume that describes your education, work experience, professional activities, volunteer activities, community engagement, honors, and awards.

Please provide names and email addresses of two references as part of the application process. Please enter your references in the supplemental questions section; there is no need to upload a separate file. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website. 

Early and complete applications are encouraged.  

Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) on March 2, 2025.  

This is a time-limited position.