Summer Internship FAQ

General Questions

Q: For whom is the internship designed?
A: The internship is designed for undergraduate, graduate and medical students who have an interest in the space program and space life sciences.

Q: What qualifies a student for eligibility?
A: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have completed their sophomore year of college.

Q: What majors can apply?
A: Typical majors of past interns include biomedical engineering, kinesiology, physical therapy, chemistry, biology, pre-med, food science, statistics, medicine, etc.

Q: Are the research areas listed on the NSBRI website the research areas we must select from for our application?
A: No, the research areas listed on the website are not necessarily areas available during the internship. On your application, we are interested in knowing what areas of research you are interested in or have had experience in. The research laboratories at Johnson Space Center that often select interns include exercise physiology, cardiovascular, bone loss, neuroscience, bed rest studies, food science, radiation biophysics, biomechanics and anthropometrics, medical informatics and healthcare systems, microbiology and pharmacology.

Q: Is there a stipend?
A: No, there is not a stipend. Interns are paid an hourly wage.

Q: Are travel and housing costs covered for the interns?
A: No, the intern is responsible for their own travel and housing costs.

Q: I'm not from Houston. Where will I live?
A: Interns selected for the program will be given information regarding affordable housing near the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Q: When is the deadline?
A: The deadline is January 31. All application items must be postmarked by that date in order to be considered for the program.

Q: Can I participate in the NSBRI Summer Internship and still attend summer school?
A: The internship is a full-time summer experience.

Q: I have another commitment during the summer and will not be able to complete the minimum 10 weeks. Am I eligible?
A: Internships are generally no shorter than 10 weeks in order for the student to become fully engrained in the laboratory and have the most benefit on the work done in the lab. If you are unable to work for the full 10-15 weeks, the reason must be stated in the letter of interest. The review committee will consider that information when making selections.

Q: I want to apply, but the January 31 deadline has passed. Can I still apply?
A: No, all applications must be postmarked by January 31.

Q: I am a student who will be studying for the MCAT during the program dates. Should I still apply?
A: The summer internship is a full-time commitment. We encourage you to think seriously about the time you will be able to invest in your exam preparation.

Q: If accepted, will I have a say in which lab I work?
A: On the application, there is room for you to list your three top areas of research interest. These areas of interest will be taken into consideration should you be selected for the program.

Q: What should the letter of interest include?
A: The letter of interest should state your interest in the program, how the program will help you attain your career goals and dates you are available for the summer. Any academic or professional experience or accomplishments can be fleshed out in the letter.

Q: Should the letters of recommendation be mailed directly from the persons providing the reference or as part of the application packet?
A: Either way is acceptable.

Q: What should be covered in the letters of recommendation?
A: The letter of recommendation does not have a set outline. However, we encourage the writers to elaborate on the applicant.s experiences, accomplishments, career goals and personality.

Q: Will my application be considered complete after I have completed and submitted the online application?
A: No, you must mail the completed and signed online application page with the application material packet.

Q: Can I make changes to my online application after I submit it?
A: No. Once the online application is submitted, it cannot be retrieved. Please be sure to print it out before you close the window.

Q: What items should be included in the internship application?
A: To be considered for this program, applicants are asked to send a resume or CV, a letter of interest indicating dates during the summer that they would be available, and two letters of recommendation.

Q: Should I send my college transcripts?
A: No, transcripts are not required and will have absolutely no impact on selection. Any transcripts received will be destroyed without review.

Q: To what address should the application materials be mailed?
A: All information and recommendations should be sent to:
National Space Biomedical Research Institute
Summer Internship Program
One Baylor Plaza, NA-425
Houston, TX 77030-3411

Accepted Applicants

Q: I was offered a position but will be unable to accept it. What do I need to do?
A: As soon as possible, please email the program coordinator (hmann@bcm.edu) to notify NSBRI that you are declining the internship.

Q: I have accepted the offer and would like to know more about the lab I have been placed in. How do I find out?
A: Contact the program coordinator (hmann@bcm.edu) for more information about the laboratory and to obtain your mentor's contact information.

Q: What is the dress code in the lab?
A: We require our interns to follow business casual and OSHA standards for dress (i.e. long pants, closed-toe shoes, and no shorts, midriffs or flip flops). Alternate appropriate dress code will be up to the discretion of your mentor.

Q: Are health and dental insurance provided?
A: No, the program does not provide health or dental insurance. However, medical facilities are available near your lab.

Applicants Not Selected

Q: Why was my application not selected?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot select all of the excellent applicants we receive. We take into account previous studies, research experience, interests, and career and education goals.

Q: Can I apply again next year?
A: Yes. We encourage you to apply again.

Q: Can you save my application for next year?
A: No, we do not store or save applications. If you choose to reapply the following year, please submit an updated resume or CV, letter of interest, signed online application page and recent letters of recommendation.