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High School Internship

Applications Closed! The High School Internship Program allows enthusiastic students from grades 10–11 to immerse themselves in the post-secondary research environment and learn new skills related to wet lab, engineering, and community engagement.

Applications closed May 30th @ 11:59PM EST

What is the SynBio High School Internship?

A 4-week internship held annually, combining in-person and online components with approximately 10 hours of engagement per week. Interns will explore synthetic biology and genetic engineering through the McMaster-originated Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system and work on solving real-world problems using bio-based solutions.

Learn about PBL at McMaster

What We’re Looking For

  • Curious students unsure about science or engineering pathways
  • Students interested in science careers outside of medicine
  • Those without prior positive experiences in science
  • Students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds

Internship Takeaways

  • Mock PBL Assignments
  • Science Career Exploration
  • Literature Reviews on Global Challenges
  • Graphical Abstract + Conference Poster
  • Shadowing University Researchers
  • iGEM and SynBio Concepts
  • Certificate of Completion

Internship Structure

Week 1

University Life & Team Formation (3h in person, 6h online)

Week 2

Dry Lab: Modelling & Plasmid Design (6h sync, 3h async)

Week 3

Wet Lab: Experimental Design (3h in person, 6h online)

Week 4

SciComm: Poster Design (6h sync, 3h async)

In-Person Attendance (Mandatory)

July Cohort (July 6 – Aug 2)

  • Mon July 6 – Welcome (12–3PM)
  • Mon July 14 – Wet Lab Workshop (12–3PM)
  • Sat Aug 2 – Symposium & Awards (12–3PM)

August Cohort (July 28 – Aug 23)

  • Mon July 28 – Welcome (12–3PM)
  • Mon Aug 11 – Wet Lab Workshop (12–3PM)
  • Sat Aug 23 – Symposium & Awards (12–3PM)

Disclaimer: This program is only open to students completing Grade 10 or 11 by the time of application. It is not paid, nor eligible for volunteer hours. It may count toward CAS hours. Students interested only in medicine or software engineering are not encouraged to apply.