Program Overview
The Molecular Imaging Summer Program (MISP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering offers undergraduate students hands-on research experience in cutting-edge laboratories and the opportunity to interact with research and clinical faculty and trainees. Molecular imaging is one of the most rapidly advancing specialties in medicine and MSK has established a vibrant and state-of-the-art laboratory-based translational molecular imaging research program, in addition to a world-class clinical research and care operation.
The 10-week program begins on June 6 and ends on August 12, 2022.
Students who are accepted into the MISP will:
- Adapt their skills to address biomedically-focused research questions in cutting-edge laboratories
- Interact with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students
- Attend weekly luncheon/seminar series of presentations by faculty
- Attend professional development workshops
- Present a poster on their work at the end of the program
Students will receive a stipend of $6,000 for the summer. Housing is available.
Areas of Research
Students will partner with faculty from Memorial Sloan Kettering who have expressed a strong interest in working with students with chemistry skill sets. The faculty listed below are conducting research in diverse areas of biomedical sciences, and will welcome the added expertise provided by chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical biology undergraduates. Information about their scientific projects can be found by visiting their respective web pages.
Once matched to a PI, MISP interns will be mentored by a senior member from the PI’s lab, such as a resident, fellow, postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician. At the end of the summer, the students will be expected to present their research project during a poster session. Possible PIs who will act as host laboratories:
- Michelle Bradbury
- Gabriela Chiosis
- Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Hedvig Hricak
- Morgan Huse
- Jan Grimm
- Kayvan Keshari
- Jason Koutcher
- Jason Lewis
- Christopher Lima
- Philipp Niethammer
- Michael Overholtzer
- Kishore Pillarsetty
- Vladimir Ponomarev
- Milind Rajadhyaksha
- David Scheinberg
- Andrea Schietinger
- Agnel Sfeir
How to Apply
MISP seeks current domestic undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are intelligent, self-motivated, and passionate about science and careers in molecular imaging, nanotechnology, and radiology. We strongly encourage students from groups historically underrepresented in science (disadvantaged, disabled, Black, Hispanic/LatinX, Native American) to apply.
Students can complete and submit the online application here starting November 1, 2021.
Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the US.
Through the generous support of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (Melbourne, Australia) an additional fully-funded internship will be offered to an undergraduate student based in Australia. The application process and deadlines are the same.
Application Timeline for Summer 2022
November 1: Applications open
February 1: Application closes on February 1 at 11:59pm EST
Decisions will be announced no later than March 15, 2022
Application Considerations
- Completed college-level general biology and/or introductory chemistry, have taken some advanced science courses
- Have an interest in the application of molecular imaging to biological problems in the laboratory/clinic
- Have some hands-on experience or laboratory work
- Two letters of recommendation: These letters should be written by faculty members or employers who are familiar with the applicant’s credentials, especially with respect to any relevant coursework, laboratory, or related work experience
- In addition to the application form and an admissions essay, applicants should upload and submit an unofficial transcript from their college or university directly into the application system. (Only those accepted into the internship will need to submit an official transcript after acceptance).
- If you have any questions or concerns about transcripts, please contact oset@mskcc.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Molecular Imaging Summer program?
This 10-week program is designed to bring outstanding biology, chemistry, physical sciences and molecular imaging undergraduate rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pursuing a career at the intersection of engineering and biomedicine for a research experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
What will MISP interns do?
MISP interns will adapt their skills to address biomedically-focused research questions in cutting-edge laboratories. Each intern will have an independent project and will work with an assigned lab faculty/mentor. In addition to working in the lab, interns will attend journal clubs, scientific and professional development seminars. At the end of the 10-week program, the MISP intern will present a poster on their project.
Is the summer program limited to specific majors?
Those who have completed college-level general biology and/or introductory chemistry, have taken some advanced science course, have some hands-on experience or laboratory work and have an interest in application of molecular imaging to biological problem or related fields are invited to apply to MISP.
Where is the internship located?
Interns will be hosted on site in one of the faculty labs listed on the MISP website at MSK in New York City.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes, interns who are enrolled will receive a stipend of $6,000 for the summer paid on a bi-weekly basis.
How many slots are available for this program?
The program accepts up to 10 interns per summer.
Is summer housing provided?
Yes, summer (dormitory) housing is provided for free to any who need it. Interns will be paired in groups of 2 per room and by gender.
What amenities are included in housing?
The assigned space consists of a twin-size bed, a dresser, a desk, and closet space. All apartments have two bedrooms, each suite has a kitchenette which contains a microwave, electric stove-top burners, sink, cabinets, a large refrigerator and private bathroom (Utilities and Wi-Fi included). Dishes, utensils and cooking supplies are not provided.
Does the program cover travel costs?
No, the program does not cover travel costs.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Questions? Contact Program Administrator at OSET@mskcc.org.
