Research Experience for Future Leaders
Undergraduate Internship Program
A prestigious opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in impactful neurosurgical research while building skills in clinical analysis, collaboration, and communication. Interns contribute to cutting-edge research in spine health and neurosurgical outcomes alongside leading researchers and clinicians.
Application Status Update
Information about the new cycle beginning May 2026 will be available soon. Check back for application details and deadlines.
Program Overview
Our undergraduate internship program offers students the opportunity to work directly with leading faculty in neurosurgical research. Interns are integrated into ongoing studies and may contribute to publications and professional presentations. The program emphasizes mentorship, skill development, and exposure to the academic medical environment—providing insight into research workflows, clinical practice, and the intersection of medicine and technology.
Program Highlights
Research Experience
- Hands-on work with faculty mentors
- Exposure to clinical and computational research
- Focus on spine health and neurosurgical outcomes
- Integration into ongoing research projects
Mentorship & Development
- Weekly educational sessions and mentorship
- Academic, clinical, and leadership growth
- Professional skill development
- Career guidance and networking
Academic Opportunities
- Opportunities for authorship and presentations
- Conference presentation possibilities
- Publication potential
- Research portfolio development
Multidisciplinary Exposure
- Exposure to multidisciplinary approaches to spine care
- Understanding of the clinical–research interface
- Health literacy initiatives
- Patient education and outreach activities
Research Domains
SCOLI undergraduate interns gain experience across clinical and translational domains in neurosurgery and spine health.
Clinical Research
- Neurotrauma and recovery outcomes
- Effectiveness of spine treatments
- Surgical outcomes analysis
- Patient quality-of-life studies
Health Services Research
- Socioeconomic drivers of surgical care
- Health literacy and equity research
- Healthcare access and delivery
- Population health studies
Education & Outreach
- Patient education tools and outreach
- Community health initiatives
- Educational material development
- Public health research
Program Timeline & Important Dates
May 2026 — Program Begins New internship cycle officially starts.
Ongoing — Program Activities Weekly mentorship, research participation, and professional development throughout the program.
Program Completion — Presentation of Outcomes Internship concludes with presentation of research work.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
We seek motivated undergraduates with strong academic records and genuine interest in medicine or neuroscience research. Candidates should demonstrate commitment to academic excellence and potential for meaningful research contributions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Current undergraduate student in good academic standing
- Interest in medicine or neuroscience
- U.S. work authorization
- Strong academic performance
- Commitment to full program duration
Application Materials
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Official or unofficial academic transcript
- Two faculty recommendation letters
- Personal statement outlining research interests and goals
- Cover letter describing motivation for the program
Application Status
Application information for the new cycle beginning May 2026 will be posted soon. For questions about the program, please contact the program lead.
Program Contact
Dr. Ayesha Akbar Waheed, MBBS
Email: waheedaa2@upmc.edu
Program Mission
Provide undergraduate students with structured mentorship, hands-on research immersion, and professional development in neurosurgery and spine health, fostering future leaders prepared for clinical, research, and academic careers.