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Nephrology

Summer Undergraduate Program in Kidney Science (SUPerKS)

Summer Internship Program

Program Overview

Kidney researchers and physicians are critically needed to address the skyrocketing burden of kidney disease, and the racial disparities that are associated with it, with African American persons developing severe forms at rates 3-4 times higher than those in other racial groups. The +S+ummer +U+ndergraduate +P+rogram in +K+idney +S+cience (SUPerKS) provides talented students the unique opportunity to explore research and physician-scientist careers in the kidney field with exposure to the practice of medicine. During the summer internship, students will work under the mentorship of esteemed faculty on cutting-edge research projects to unravel how the kidney functions in health and goes awry in kidney disease. Research projects span from the basic science of kidney genes to studying kidney function in genetically engineered mice, or cell models; clinical and epidemiological studies of kidney disease; studying biomarkers in human cohorts; tissue engineering; to developing biosensors or nanotechnologies that specifically interrogate kidney physiology and disease mechanisms. As a key aspect of the program that helps demonstrate translation of the research work, a clinical experience is provided, where students round with kidney doctors (nephrologists), meet patients, and discuss diagnoses and treatment plans. In addition to the research and clinical experiences, students participate in a weekly journal club, presenting research articles to their peers and members of the faculty. Students also attend a seminar series featuring faculty members from Johns Hopkins, providing time to interact with faculty members and hear different perspectives about research, clinical practice, and career development. At the end of the summer, students present their work in a poster session with other kidney programs around the country. We hope that through these activities students will gain first-hand knowledge of research and academic medicine, and ultimately pursue careers in the kidney sciences.

SUPerKS Eligibility Criteria:

  • At least 18 years old
  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident (Note: NIH funds our program, and we are obligated to accept only US Citizens or Permanent Residents)
  • College graduates are not eligible (Our program is open to current undergraduate students only)
  • Current CV or Resume
  • At least one year of college
  • At least one semester of general chemistry and biology (or AP equivalent)
  • Official college transcripts for each undergraduate institution attended, with a GPA greater than 3.0
  • Two letters of recommendation (faculty and/or research mentors preferred)
  • A personal statement describing career goals, specific research interests in Kidney Science, prior research experiences, and biographical and demographical information

2025 SUPerKS SIP will take place from Sunday, May 25, 2025 – Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Applications for the 2025 Summer Internship Program (SIP) will open to accept applications on November 1, 2024. The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on February 1, 2025.

SIP divisions will inform applicants of admissions decisions by March 15th of the year that they are applying, though some divisions release decisions earlier than that date. For more information, contact us at [email protected].

The Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides experience in biomedical and/or public health research to current undergraduate students from all backgrounds - including students from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in science and medicine, students from low-income/underserved backgrounds, and students with disabilities. The program provides research exposure for those interested in potential careers in science, medicine, and public health.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

The Complete Application: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/pathway/sip

There are multiple divisions of SIP, each providing a unique experience. Applying is free, there is no cost to the applicant. To apply to a SIP division, you will need:

  • Two letters of recommendation (faculty and/or research mentors preferred)
  • Transcripts for each undergraduate institution attended (transcripts can be unofficial)
  • Current CV or resume
  • Personal Statement*
  • (CSM-SIP applicants only) Proof of family income

*The personal statement should be no longer than 1.5 pages, single-spaced using at least an 11-point font. There is no particular prompt for personal statements, but we encourage you to tell us more about yourself. For example: why you want or need to do summer research; the career goal(s) you have in mind; why you're motivated or interested in this type of career; what traits make you a good fit for a potential career in research; any past research experience (hypothesis? what you did/did it work? what you learned about this topic or yourself); and what kind of mentoring you would most benefit from during this experience at Johns Hopkins.