Program Overview

Introduction to the ORION Undergraduate Internship Program

The ORION Undergraduate Internship Program is a 10-week program with a flexible start date, offering students the opportunity to study basic research and real-world treatments for cardiovascular disease. The program is designed for undergraduates, specifically rising juniors and seniors, as well as recent graduates.

Program Overview

As a student in the ORION Undergraduate Internship Program, participants will work to find new pathways that lead to safe and effective treatments for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. The program focuses on four key concepts:

• Experimental premise and design in cardiovascular research
• Data and quantitative analysis
• Oral and written presentation of results
• Effective teamwork

Research Areas

Participants will conduct research in one of four areas:

• Blood cell biology and drug development
• Biomaterials and medical devices
• Computational fluid dynamics and imaging
• Regenerative medicine These research areas are led by prominent faculty members, including Monica Hinds, Owen McCarty, Sandra Rugonyi, Joe Aslan, Joseph Shatzel, and Karina Nakayama.

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for the program, applicants must be rising junior and senior undergraduate students or recent graduates of a US college or university. International students and non-US citizens attending American institutions are also eligible to apply. However, the program does not serve as sponsors for Visas for international students.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following items:

• CV or resume
• Unofficial transcript
• Cover letter describing career goals and research interest
• One letter of recommendation (to be submitted separately by the reference)

Program Details

The program is funded by the American Heart Association and provides students with a stipend of $6,000 to cover room and board. Additionally, students will receive support to attend and present at a national conference. Note that the program does not provide college credit.

Selection and Notification

ORION interns will be selected and notified in March, with students expected to accept offers in early April. The application deadline is February 15th, 2026.