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Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Summer Undergraduate Research Internships

Complete guide to Ï㽶ֱ²¥ GSBS summer research internships (ABRI, BRIA, SABR), including 2026 dates, eligibility, housing, and deadlines.

Table of Contents

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers three ten-week summer research internship programs designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers. These programs provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge biomedical or pharmaceutical research, mentorship from accomplished faculty, and the opportunity to explore careers in research.

2026 Summer Internship Overview

All interns receive a $4,000 stipend (paid in two installments) and an application fee waiver for .

  • Location: Amarillo, TX | 2026 Dates: May 26 – July 31, 2026 | Past Deadline: March 15

    The ABRI program is affiliated with the Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate program and the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy. Placements are primarily in Amarillo, with select placements available in Abilene depending on faculty participation.

    Research Focus & Eligibility

    • Research Focus: Investigator-initiated pharmaceutical research, drug development, and applied research skills.
    • Target Audience: Students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate science coursework (preference given to 3rd- and 4th-year students). Designed for students pursuing research careers (Ph.D.), not clinical medical or pharmacy training.

    How to Apply for ABRI

    Log into . When creating your profile, select your eventual graduate degree interest (e.g., Pharmaceutical Sciences M.S. or Ph.D.), then complete the Summer Internships (ABRI) application form before March 15.

     

    Program Contact: Teresa Carlisle, Unit Manager — (806) 414-9329 or teresa.carlisle@ttuhsc.edu

  • Location: Abilene, TX | 2026 Dates: May 26 – July 31, 2026 | Past Deadline: March 15

    Associated with the Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, BRIA interns work in state-of-the-art laboratories focusing on precision oncology, drug repurposing, and cancer biology.

    Research Focus & Eligibility

    • Research Focus: Cancer biology, oncology therapeutics, drug repurposing, and biotechnology.
    • Target Audience: Motivated undergraduate students preparing for further graduate training in a biomedical/pharmaceutical Ph.D. or M.S. in Biotechnology program.

    How to Apply for BRIA

    Log into . Select your eventual graduate degree interest when setting up your profile, then submit the Summer Internships (BRIA) application before March 15.

     

    Program Contact: Jerri Jones, Program Manager — (325) 696-0524 or jerri.jones@ttuhsc.edu

  • Location: Lubbock, TX | 2026 Dates: June 1 – July 31, 2026 | Past Deadline: March 1

    Affiliated with the central Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program, SABR offers immersive laboratory research under the direction of Senior Associate Dean Dr. Michael Blanton and GSBS graduate faculty.

    Research Focus & Strict Eligibility Criteria

    • Research Areas: Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Molecular Biophysics, Translational Neurosciences, Opioids, Alzheimer's Disease, Cancer, and HIV/Retroviruses.
    • Citizenship / Status: Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient with an original, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
    • Academic Status: Undergraduate students or post-baccalaureates preparing for graduate school. Currently enrolled graduate students are NOT eligible.
    • Selection Competitive Stats: SABR receives ~70 applications per year and selects approximately 10 interns based on funding and mentor availability. Admissions decisions are announced in early April.

    Lubbock Housing & Local Amenities

    • Transportation: Lubbock operates a public transit system called . Interns can utilize Citibus routes for groceries, weekend travel, and commuting around campus.
    • TTU Recreation Center: Interns can purchase a summer membership to the main TTU Recreation Center (featuring lap/leisure pools, rock climbing wall, indoor/outdoor tracks, and gym facilities). Rec membership IDs also qualify students for discounts on Citibus.

    How to Apply for SABR

    Log into , set your program interest to Biomedical Sciences Ph.D., and complete the Summer Internships (SABR) application form before March 1.

     

    Program Contact: Terri Lloyd, Admissions Director — (806) 743-2556 or terri.lloyd@ttuhsc.edu

General Guidelines & Universal Requirements

The following expectations, policies, and application requirements apply to all GSBS summer internship programs:

Universal Application Materials

All internship applications are completed online through and require the following documents:

  • College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are accepted for application review.
  • Letter of Recommendation: One (1) recommendation letter from a faculty member or research mentor.
  • Personal Essay: Statement defining your motivation for participating in the summer research program and long-term career goals.

Schedule, Workload & Commitment

  • Full-Time Commitment: Participants dedicate at least 40 hours per week in the laboratory (including potential evening or weekend hours depending on experiment schedules). Daily lunch breaks should not exceed 60 minutes.
  • No Outside Courses or Jobs: Due to the immersive nature of the program, participants cannot enroll in summer courses or maintain outside employment during the 10-week session. (TTU System employees must pause their positions for the summer to receive the stipend).
  • Mandatory Activities: Orientation, safety training, weekly seminars, and the Final Research Symposium are mandatory. Time off is approved only in emergency situations.
  • Housing: Interns are responsible for arranging their own housing accommodations.