Is this program a good fit for me?
The part-time program is for undergraduate students within 1-2 years of graduation and is intended to be compatible alongside students’ summer research projects or internships. Students from under-represented minority groups, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
What can I expect?
Through hands-on research experience, the program trains participants in the study and innovation of biomedical optics for improving human health and advancing biological sciences. Through strong collaboration and weekly lectures from distinguished faculty and researchers. Summer Institute students build a network of like-minded peers. They also receive guidance from course instructors and lab mentors. Students are challenged to explore ways to conduct research responsibly and to cultivate the skills to effectively communicate their research findings. At the end of the summer, students present their work to the Biomedical Optics mentors at a conference.
What are the features of the nine week long program?
Interactive Lessons Covering Aspects of Biomedical Optics:
- Learn about fluorescence imaging, light-tissue interaction, photochemistry, and more, from experts at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine
- Explore applications of light in medicine through individual and group projects (e.g., image analysis, literature exploration)
Career-Focused Sessions:
- Hear from Harvard-MIT graduate students and post-doctoral research fellows
- Prepare to write competitive applications for graduate or medical school
- Work one-on-one with a mentor from the Wellman Center for Photomedicine
Benefits:
- Participate in cutting-edge photomedicine research with faculty
- Network with students from across the US and internationally
- Compete for research and presentation awards
Key Dates:
- Application deadline: Friday, April 3, 2026 at 5pm EDT
[post-deadline applications will be considered until decision is made] - Admission finalized: ~ by end of May
- Program Duration: Monday, June 8 to Friday, August 7, 2026
[Please note that program dates may be adjusted] - Certificate ceremony: Friday, August 7, 2026
This internship is available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. At this time, we cannot consider international students or applicants who require visa sponsorship.
Please be aware that there are limited spaces available, so it's important to apply early.
Learn More:
- Email: BioOpticsSummerInstitute [at] mgh.harvard.edu (BioOpticsSummerInstitute[at]mgh[dot]harvard[dot]edu)
- Wellman Laboratories: https://wellman.massgeneral.org/people/faculty
