Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program

“The philosophy of our program is that every person involved in the program possesses teachable knowledge that is passed back and forth between interns and mentors. Our interns bring renewed energy and joy to in-person learning. Equally important, the learning culture that is created and fostered by the Northwestern mentors persists after the program ends.” 

— Karen M. Ridge, PhD, Executive Director

“Our program aims to be a fun experience that fosters a love for science. Not only do the interns gain experience at the bench, but they also have the opportunity to read and discuss the latest research articles, attend workshops that promote career development, learn about different career paths, shadow a clinician, and have data discussions with their peers.”

— Colleen Reczek, PhD, Program Director

Each selected intern is thoughtfully matched with a Northwestern faculty member and given a hypothesis-driven or hypothesis-generating basic or clinical research project. Each intern’s project will make a meaningful contribution to their laboratory’s research and help advance our understanding of the mechanisms that drive lung disease.

The research training is coupled with activities that prepare interns for the college/graduate school application process, success in college/graduate school, and development of their professional careers in science and/or medicine. The research experience culminates with a presentation at the annual Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Symposium.

The Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care is located in the Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in downtown Chicago.

Hosted by the Northwestern Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care since 1999, our program was established by Jacob I. Sznajder, MD to provide hands-on research opportunities for high school and undergraduate students. The program provides a comprehensive introduction to biomedical research for motivated students who are interested in pursuing careers in science and medicine.

In 2018 the Pulmonary and Critical Care Summer Research Program was endowed by Northwestern University trustees Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey. In 2019 interns were welcomed to Pulmonary and Critical Care’s new, state-of-the-art laboratories in the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we successfully pivoted to a fully remote model. In 2022 our program was officially named the Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program in grateful recognition of Querrey for her years of generous support.

“The [Kimberly Querrey] Summer Research Program gave me valuable exposure to biomedical research, giving me an edge among my peers. It was a privilege to work in a collaborative lab environment alongside successful researchers. I also had amazing mentors who guided me through my research every step of the way. Participating in the program made me realize how much of a passion I had for biological experimentation and provided me with the skills to be successful in pursuing a career in science.” 

— Olufemi O.

“I met compassionate and personable mentors who inspired my passion for science. They taught me skills such as data analysis, scientific presentation, wet bench techniques, and much more. However, the best part of the program were the connections I made... I became closer with the people in the lab I worked in and the labs around me. Through the friends, skills, and experiences I gained, this research program has made itself one of my fondest memories as I continue my journey through academia.” 

— Sahil S.

“Despite not having previous experience that reflected my passion for medicine, I was confidently enriched and provided with skills, mentorship, and autonomy that allowed me to grow in and out of the lab. The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program prioritized easing me into research while showing me the multifaceted pathways in medicine. I am thankful to the program for connecting me with mentors who are genuinely passionate about fueling the ambitions of future scientists.”

— Samely V.

“I absolutely loved my time at KQSRP! It gave me a window into the life of a scientist, teaching me about the process of scientific inquiry and how to do biological research. This program is one of the primary reasons I’ve continued doing research as an undergrad!” 

— Ritvik V.

Interns will be expected to make a full-time commitment (40 hours per week, typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday through Friday), work energetically on their projects, and develop a professional attitude toward their research, faculty mentors, administrators, and fellow interns.

Each intern selected for the Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program will be paid a competitive stipend.

There is no cost to participate in the program. However, interns will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to/from the Northwestern campus in downtown Chicago.

• All students must be age 16 years or older as of May 31 in the year the program takes place.

• High school students must currently be a junior at the time of application.

• Undergraduate students must be enrolled at an accredited college/university. Planned and completed coursework must demonstrate a serious interest in the biological sciences or a future career in medicine.

We welcome applications from students all over the country. However, please note that selected interns will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to/from the Northwestern campus in downtown Chicago. For this reason, many of our interns live or stay with family who live in the Chicago area.

Here are important dates you should be aware of:

January 1, 2025 - Applications will go live.

January 26, 2025 - Applications will no longer be accepted after midnight.

February 9, 2025  - Deadline for teachers and schools to submit supporting materials (reference letters and transcripts).

March 10, 2025 - Applicants will be notified of their application status. Accepted interns will be sent onboarding forms to complete. 

March 16, 2025 - Deadline to accept and confirm your participation in the program. 

March 17, 2025  - Waitlisted applicants will be offered any available positions. Accepted interns will be sent onboarding forms to complete. 

March 23, 2025 - Deadline for waitlisted applicants to accept and confirm your participation in the program.

March 30, 2025 - Deadline for participants to submit all onboarding paperwork and other items.

June 9, 2025 - University level interns begin.

June 19, 2025 - University Holiday - Campus closed.

June 23, 2025 - High school level interns begin.

July 4, 2025 - University Holiday - Campus closed.

August 1, 2025 - Poster day and last day of the program. 

Prior to completing the application, applicants should check with their school to obtain the name and email address of the appropriate school official who can submit transcripts or find out if a transcript distribution service (such as Parchment) is used. 

The following are required to apply:

• Online application, including:
  • CV or resume (PDF format)
• Transcript(s) of your most current completed year*
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty/teachers*

*We do not accept recommendation letters or transcripts from students. Your referees and transcript providers will be emailed automatically with instructions when you submit your application.

It is recommended that you submit your application early to give your schools and teachers additional time to submit their materials. The deadline for schools and teachers to submit letters and transcripts is 2 weeks after the application deadline.

There is no cost to apply.

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