The Summer Research Internship Program was started by Dr. Paula Gregory to provide research experiences for medical students, undergraduates, and high school students in Louisiana.  Students are supported in part by Dr. Gregory's NIH grant (NIAAA).

Dr. Fern Tsien co-directs the program. Her National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, BCM Science Youth Initiative, and Entergy Foundation grants fund New Orleans area high school and college students.

The program works to cultivate students’ interest in pursuing medical and research careers in the basic/clinical sciences or public health. Students spend 8-weeks in the program during the summer.  Interns are matched with mentors in laboratories or clinics at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center or Children’s Hospital of New Orleans.Students learn laboratory techniques used in medical research and attend weekly seminars. All students present their research results at the end of the summer at a poster session or oral symposium. In addition, they receive training in presentation skills, including how to prepare a presentation at a scientific meeting.

This program has succeeded in providing over 400 students with a meaningful research experience. Because of this program, some of Louisiana’s best and brightest undergraduates, who attend school elsewhere, have been introduced to the opportunities available in their home state. After completing their internship, many student interns present their data at medical or scientific conferences, or have their research published in medical or scientific journals.  

This program is funded by the National Science Foundation (REU), National Institutes of Health (NIAAA), Louisiana Baptist Community Ministries Science Youth Initiative, Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, New Orleans BioInnovations Center, Entergy Foundation, LSUHSC School of Medicine and the Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center.