Advancing Cornell Career Experiences for Science Students (ACCESS) Summer Internship Program

The Advancing Cornell Career Experiences for Science Students (ACCESS) Summer Internship Program is a 9-week in-person research opportunity designed for undergraduate students aiming to pursue PhD programs. The program runs from June 1st to July 31st, providing participants with intensive hands-on experience in biomedical research laboratories at Weill Cornell Medicine or the Sloan Kettering Institute, under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. It seeks to enhance students' understanding of modern biology and medical research, and specifically targets a diverse range of PhD-bound undergraduates, including those who are first-generation college students, face socioeconomic disadvantages, have experiences with marginalized individuals or underserved communities, are persons with disabilities, or come from under-resourced educational backgrounds. Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes attending lectures and discussions focused on the current state of biomedical research, exploring pathways into research careers, and understanding various career opportunities. The program incorporates weekly journal clubs to develop critical analysis skills and workshops on preparing for interviews and seminars. Students have the opportunity to choose research projects from eight disciplines, including Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biophysics, & Systems Biology, and Computational Biology and Medicine. The program is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City, and provides a generous stipend of $6,000, along with up to $500 for travel expenses. On-campus housing is supplied free of charge for students not residing in the New York City area. Towards the end of the program, participants present their research through poster and oral presentations at a celebratory award ceremony and the Leadership Alliance National Symposium. Additionally, professional development sessions cover topics such as PhD applications, conference attendance, networking, and stereotype threat, complemented by community-building activities across New York City.