STEM

STEM Blog

Securing an Internship in Bioethics Research

By Dr. Karen Meagher '04

February 10, 2023

Tags STEM

Opportunities at Mayo Clinic’s Biomedical Ethics Research Program

Almost twenty years ago, I was a student on the Hill. I lived in the fishbowl of Dunham and I learned to navigate the treacherous ice on Martin’s Way. However, with a major in biology and a minor in philosophy, I wasn’t sure how to combine my interests long-term. At the time, the breadth of learning made possible by a liberal arts education didn’t seem attainable in a future career.

One main lesson of Hamilton was that alumni continue to stay connected over the years. As an assistant professor and mentor, I now have the opportunity and the joy of bringing young people into my research, which successfully combines the foundational skills I began to develop as an undergraduate. Unique combinations of skills are possible in a career, and in constellations that you can explore with those who live them out every day in academia, medical practice, law, and beyond. Please read about the opportunities below, and consider joining our team.

Bioethics Research

The field of bioethics is multidisciplinary, drawing from philosophy, theology, the social sciences, and health policy. Research in the field is also often at the intersection of different perspectives – seeking to bridge physicians and patients or integrate the humanities into technological innovation. If you are curious about how science, health, and values connect and seek mentors and resources to find your next step, our opportunities might be for you!

Internships

The Summer Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Ethics Research (SUPER) internship provides a summer of mentored research experience in ethical aspects of science, health, or technology. Each student will be placed with a faculty mentor to work on a particular ethics research project for approximately ten weeks over the summer (starting late May or early June). In addition to conducting mentored research, students participate in a personalized ethics education curriculum, and have opportunities to shadow and observe various areas of medicine across the Mayo Clinic enterprise. Ideal for rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Paid internships take place on site in Rochester, Minn. Remote accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applications for Summer 2023 are due January 16. Additional details and instructions on how to apply can be found here.

Postbac Research Assistantship (fill a gap year or two)

The Biomedical Ethics Research Program sponsors several post-baccalaureate research assistantships for students interested in empirical bioethics scholarship. This position is ideal for individuals interested in a gap year between their undergraduate and graduate training programs. Successful applicants have completed a bachelor’s degree and plan to attend graduate school, law school, or medical school.

For at least one year, students will participate in educational activities and conduct bioethics research in a mentored environment. In addition to joining a project, Graduate Research Education Program (GREP) students are eligible to take graduate-level courses at no cost through the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and shadow clinicians in nearly every area of the clinic. Mentors can hone your research skills as well as help connect you to professionals in a variety of fields. This opportunity is also a good fit for those seeking multifaceted research experience and networking to help choose between future paths. Following this program, past GREP students have successfully matriculated into top medical and law schools throughout the U.S.

Applications for Postbac Fellows are opened on a rolling basis. Additional details on this opportunity and instructions on how to apply can be found here.

Maximize your application appeal

• Clarify how your distinct perspective will contribute to our research; in turn, articulate how you will benefit from the program.
• Read through application writing sample requests and demonstrate your ability to continue Hamilton’s reputation for producing students with highly sought-after writing skills.
• Speak with a member of our education staff at 507-538-1433 or email us at bioethics@mayo.edu. Many of our current trainees are available to discuss details about their experiences in the program.