The LU-Springer High School Summer Research Internship is a six-week, full-time biomedical research experience at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. High school interns join a research team, contribute to lab work, and present findings orally and by poster. The 2027 program runs June 6-July 17. Participants work approximately 40 hours each week in the lab, plus up to 10-15 hours of additional programming.
Aspirnaut provides campus lodging, daily meal credits, lab costs and supplies, and a $2,000 salary for the six-week session. The salary is prorated to the actual length of participation and paid after successful completion. Students are responsible for travel to/from Nashville, visa or travel-clearance expenses, health insurance, and personal costs. Selected 2027 interns may apply for full or partial need-based travel scholarships; the application and award details are not yet published. The program cannot sponsor visas. International high-school applicants are welcome.
The application and supporting-materials deadline is January 13, 2027 at 11:59 PM Central Standard Time. The student must complete the application. An official transcript with Fall 2026 final grades must be submitted by a school official using a school email address. If final grades are unavailable, submit the most up-to-date official transcript by the deadline and arrange any later final-grade submission with Aspirnaut in advance. Two recommendation letters are required, including one from a STEM instructor, plus ACT/SAT score reports if applicable. Transcripts and recommendations are submitted through REDCap links sent to the applicant's school and recommender contacts. Health insurance must be valid at program start and throughout participation. The program reports an average high-school cohort of 15-20 students, with the number of positions varying each year.
Official source: Aspirnaut program and application details.