Gaurav Pandey Genetics and Genomics Summer Scholars

The Gaurav Pandey Genetics and Genomics Summer Scholars Program is a 10-week internship opportunity designed for undergraduate students who have faced challenges in their academic journey and are interested in pursuing careers in science and medicine. This program provides innovative and world-class research experiences in genetics and genomics and operates through partnerships with local universities.

Program Overview

The Gaurav Pandey Genetics and Genomics Summer Scholars is a 10-week summer research opportunity for undergraduate students who have faced challenges in their academic journey and aspire to pursue careers in science. Students engage in cutting-edge experiment-based and/or computation-based research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, working full-time on research projects under the guidance and mentorship of faculty in genetics and genomic sciences.


Participants attend regular scientific seminars and professional development sessions designed to enhance their skills and prepare them for graduate studies and careers in biomedical research. Scholars come from diverse academic backgrounds including biology, computational biology, mathematics, computer science, statistics, data science, and engineering.

By expanding access to hands-on genomics training, the program supports the department’s broader commitment to advancing discovery, nurturing scientific talent, and strengthening the pipeline of future researchers who will shape the next decade of genetics and precision medicine.

Duration

10 weeks

Funding/Stipend

$5,000, plus $300 commuting reimbursements

Application Deadline

February 20, 2026

Timeline

June 1- August 7, 2026

Date are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the beginning of the program. The program may be held remotely or in person, depending on the situation.

Benefits for Students

  • 10 weeks of research experience
  • Biweekly seminars
  • A stipend of $5,000
  • Reimbursement of commuting expenses (up to $300)

Eligibility

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Be an undergraduate, rising sophomore, junior, or senior at the time of application
  • Identify as a student who has faced challenges or obstacles on their academic journey towards becoming a scientist in STEM fields

Application Materials

  • Online application form
  • One-page CV/resume
  • Unofficial college transcripts
  • Personal statement: should include research experience, if any, reasons you are applying for this internship, research interests, and career interests and plans following graduation
  • 1 letter of recommendation from faculty and/or mentor

Undergraduate students in the New York City area majoring in fields such as biology, computational biology, mathematics, computer science, statistics, and data science are encouraged to apply. Eligibility for application is open to students who have faced challenges in pursuing their academic and career goals, particularly those aspiring to become scientists. We recognize the unique hurdles that individuals with challenging life experiences may encounter on their educational journey. We encourage all students who have faced challenges and identify with the goal of contributing to the scientific community to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all applicants on their path towards a career in science. We value the diversity of experiences and perspectives that students from various backgrounds bring to the STEM community.

In addition, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Housing will not be provided. Participants will receive a $5,000 stipend, and commuting expenses will be reimbursed (up to $300).

  • Complete the online application form and upload all the required documents (one-page CV/resume, personal statement, unofficial university/college transcripts, one recommendation letter from faculty and/or mentors).
  • The personal statement should include: a description of research experience if any, reasons you are applying for this internship, research interests, and career interests and plans following graduation.

Applications should be submitted no later than March 14, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date, and selected applicants will be notified at the beginning of April 2025.

The program is designed to provide the participants with a unique interdisciplinary research experience, mentoring, professional development, and increased awareness in the pivotal role that basic and translational genetics and genomics research plays in biomedical research and medicine. Students will carry out a research project with their assigned mentor and attend scientific seminars. Students will present their work/research projects to department faculty at the end of the program. If results of their work are published, students will be included in authors list.

  • Functional Genomics and Multiomics
  • Gene Editing and Cellular Engineering
  • Computational and Data Sciences
  • Neuropsychiatric Genomics
  • Cancer Genomics
  • Gene and Cell Therapy
  • Statistical Genetics
  • Genetics of Human Disease
  • Drug Discovery

Every effort will be made to match you with your preferred type of research, although this is not guaranteed. Mentors and their summer interns will decide on a research project upon further discussion.