Diversity Summer Internship Program

General Information
The Diversity Summer Internship Program (DSIP), which began in 1995, is a ten-week summer program established to provide undergraduate interns with a graduate level, independent research experience in the biomedical and/or public health fields. Students work under the direct mentoring of accomplished Johns Hopkins researchers. The program is geared toward diverse groups, including underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students, with the goal of helping students to prepare for admission to graduate school. A stipend and housing is provided. The program typically runs from late-May through early-August. More detailed information about the program can be found in printable format by clicking here.

Who Can Apply
Students enrolled in a degree-seeking program within a U.S. college or university and are interested in public health/biomedical careers are eligible to apply. Students should have completed two years of studies prior to beginning the internship. DSIP applicants are highly encouraged to research current Bloomberg School of Public Health faculty biomedical and public health research projects prior to applying.

 

Past Projects
Students work with researchers to study a variety of subjects. The DSIP research poster abstract titles below are examples from previous years:

• The Association between Sexual Maturation and Type 2 Diabetes Risks: A Systematic Review
• Should Lower BMI Cut Points be used in Asian Populations to Define Overweight and Obesity? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
• How Essential is Exposure to Marriage on Positive and Negative Behavior among African-American Adolescents
• The Association Between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Psychological Symptoms Among Bar and Nightclub Employees
• Novel Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model Induced by Overexpression of ErbB2
  

Intern Reflections on DSIP

"I had a great experience with the research I conducted over the summer. My faculty mentor was amazing and helpful."  Ashley Henry, DSIP Class of 2011

"This was, hands down, the best 10 weeks ever I learned so much! Thank you so much for providing me this opportunity." Aubrey Hererra, DSIP Class of 2011

"My entire summer experience with DSIP and the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. Not only have I learned about malaria and public health, but I have met so many amazing people, from my fellow summer interns to the people in my lab. This summer has helped me realize many things about my career goals and professional interests, and I am deeply grateful."  Erin Butler, DSIP Class of 2010

"The Diversity Summer Program will not only educate you about the world of public health but also inspire you to save the world." William Jian, DSIP Class of 2010

DSIP Alumni Graduating from the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Class of 2012

Tamandra Morgan, 2009 DSIP Intern
ScM, Genetic Counseling

Oscar Nnoli, 2008/2009 DSIP Intern
MHS, Micromolecular Biology and Immunolgy

Robert Shin, 2009 DSIP Intern
MHS, Environmental Health Sciences

Jennifer White, 2009 DSIP Intern
MHS, Population Family and Reproductive Health

FAQs

How do I apply for the Diversity Summer Internship Program?
Applications are only accepted via our online system. The application period is November 1, 2012 - January 31, 2013.

Are graduate students eligible for DSIP?
The program is only open to undergraduate students or recent graduates who have not yet been accepted or enrolled in a graduate program. Anyone who is ineligible for DSIP may want to search Kaiseredu.org  and NIH for other opportunities. 

How many hours/week do interns work?
The experience is similar to that of a full-time job. Interns can expect to dedicate 30-40 hours/week to their biomedical or public health research.

Where do interns reside during the program and do I need a vehicle to get around campus?
Housing is provided for interns in a housing site on or near the Homewood Campus. A free shuttle service is also provided and runs regularly between the two campuses. Students are encouraged not to bring their vehicles as parking is very limited.

How much is the stipend?
Stipend amounts vary depending on department and faculty sponsor. Interns are encouraged to seek sponsorship from their departments at their undergraduate institution or from other funding sources.

Can international students apply?
The program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

When will a decision be made on my DSIP application?
Applicants will be notified of their status by mid March.

Contact Information

Jessica Harrington, Assistant Director
jharring@jhsph.edu

Penny L. White, Sr. Administrative Coordinator
pwhite@jhsph.edu

Office Hours
Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Address
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Student Life Services Office
2017 E. Monument Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2179

For General Inquiries
Email: diverse@jhsph.edu
Phone: 410-502-2487
Fax: 410-502-9809