VIBES: A valuable virtual internship for life science undergrads
A unique program offering paid virtual internships for undergraduate students is seeking applications for its latest cohort. The Yale VIBES (Virtual Internships in Biomedical Education in Science) was established last year by Associate Professor Rachel Perry and PhD candidate Ngozi Akingbesote of the Perry Lab at Yale School of Medicine, and offers a valuable opportunity for four undergraduates to join the team remotely.
The program supports college students from marginalized backgrounds with a chance to not only gain experience and networking opportunities through contact with Yale, but also to earn money while they do so!
We spoke to PhD candidate Yanitza Rodríguez, who now co-leads the program, to find out more about VIBES.
What is the VIBES program?
The VIBES program is an amazing paid, virtual internship specifically designed for college students from historically marginalized backgrounds and non-research-intensive universities. What’s really cool is that the projects are flexible and tailored to both the student’s interests and the lab’s needs. They might work on things like computational or data analysis, creating figures, writing commentaries or perspectives, or even drafting reviews. Beyond the research, there’s a lot of support built into the program. They’ll have access to virtual social hours, career development programming, and even connections to in-person opportunities at Yale, like paid summer internships. There are also remote options, like the NIH NIDDK Summer of Data program. And at the end of each semester, there’s a symposium where they can present their work and network with Yale faculty, students, and fellow interns. It’s such a great way to build skills, connections, and confidence!
Why was VIBES established?
The program was created to address the scarcity of paid research opportunities during the school year, complementing the many funded summer internships already available. Research experience is crucial for securing graduate school opportunities, and the program’s faculty mentors are dedicated to fostering participants’ professional development, including contributing to publications that can strengthen graduate school applications. Furthermore, the program helps interns build a network at Yale, potentially opening doors to job or graduate school opportunities within the institution. We wanted to address the lack of accessible, high-quality research opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds, thereby fostering inclusivity and diversity in science.
What inspired you to get involved with the running of the VIBES program?
I recognized the importance of creating accessible and equitable opportunities for undergraduate students to gain meaningful research experience. Throughout my own academic journey, I have benefited from mentorship and support that helped shape my career, and I wanted to extend similar opportunities to others. The program’s focus on fostering professional development and providing a supportive environment aligns with my passion for mentoring and empowering the next generation of scientists.
Why are internships like this so important for undergrad science students?
Internships like this provide a platform for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world research settings. They help students develop technical skills, build confidence, and clarify their academic and career goals. For many, this will be their first exposure to cutting-edge research, making it a pivotal moment in their scientific journey.
This is the 2nd year of the program - what feedback did you receive from last year’s students? What did they enjoy most about the program?
Last year’s participants expressed immense gratitude for the mentorship they received and the collaborative lab environment such as computational analysis and writing projects, as well as the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research. The networking opportunities and exposure to professional scientific discussions were also highly valued.
Why are you particularly keen to support students from historically marginalized backgrounds?
I’m especially passionate about supporting students from historically marginalized backgrounds because I’ve been in their shoes. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I faced my fair share of challenges, and I know how tough it can be to navigate those while pursuing your dreams. During my last year of college, I was lucky enough to participate in an external internship that made a huge difference in preparing me for the next steps, like applying to post-baccalaureate programs. That experience really opened my eyes to how critical opportunities like these are, and it’s why I care so deeply about programs like VIBES. They help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. Representation matters so much, and when we provide the right support and opportunities, students from all backgrounds can thrive and make meaningful contributions to STEM.
What qualities, qualifications or experience should a potential candidate have?
We look for candidates who demonstrate curiosity, a passion for research, and a commitment to learning. Prior research experience is not mandatory, but a strong foundation in biological sciences and a willingness to engage with complex scientific concepts are beneficial. Most importantly, we value resilience and the ability to work collaboratively.
What sort of projects might a successful candidate be involved with?
Successful candidates may have the opportunity to engage in a variety of exciting projects. Depending on the lab’s focus and their interests, these projects could include computational analyses, coding, creating research figures, or writing commentaries on emerging scientific topics. Candidates might also gain experience in data analysis, conducting systematic literature reviews, and collaborating with experienced professionals. These activities are all connected to impactful, cutting-edge research, providing valuable learning experiences while contributing to meaningful advancements in the field.
How can undergrad students apply for the 2025 cycle?
Undergraduate students interested in applying for the 2025 cycle can fill out a brief Google form by 11:59 PM EST on Friday, January 31, 2025. Applications submitted after this deadline, unfortunately, cannot be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks for a 20-minute conversation to determine mutual fit with the program. Internship matches will be finalized by the end of February, with the goal of participants beginning their lab work around March 1.
For further information: https://rachelperrylab.com/yale-vibes-program/
Connect with Yanitza:
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LinkedIn: Yanitza Rodríguez
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X (Twitter): @Yani_marie5
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