APPLICATION NOW OPEN
The CFAAR Scholars Program is a seven-week internship opportunity that affords undergraduate, graduate and medical students an opportunity to strengthen their skills in epidemiological, clinical and community-based research topics. Students will attend weekly didactic sessions to learn from and be in conversation with CFAAR faculty, staff and research collaborators.
Depending on project placement, students will gain hands-on experience including:
- Recruiting study participants via phone and in-person
- Conducting literature reviews
- Data entry/ cleaning/ interpretation
- Developing public speaking skills
- Mentoring younger students
- Creating and presenting a scientific poster
The CFAAR Scholars Program provides a supportive environment to critically engage in conversations about the systemic, underlying causes of historic and contemporary public health injustices while simultaneously exploring how to create policies, practices and a culture that supports and sustains health. Students will leave the program with a holistic definition of health to guide them as they move through their educational and career journeys as students, advocates, clinicians and investigators.
Note: CFAAR is not a wet lab. We do not conduct basic, bench, translational research in a laboratory. During the scholar's program, you will gain experience in public health research.Overview
When: Seven-week program June 15, 2026- July 31, 2026
Time: 32-40 hours per week (Full-time 9-5, M-F, Hours may vary each week)
Pay: Students will receive a stipend
Application Timeline
*We will be conducting rolling interviews for qualified applicants.
Application opens: November 3, 2025
Applications close: February 1, 2026
Acceptance Decisions: February 16, 2026
Upon acceptance, you will have one week to confirm your place and submit your availability for a zoom orientation
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate program OR a recent undergraduate graduate (within the past 2 years)
- Students must have completed their sophomore year of an undergraduate program by June 2026
- Students from all majors and graduate concentrations are encouraged to apply!
- Enthusiasm for research and intellectual curiosity
- Ability to participate fully in-person for all of the program
- Capacity for full-time work each week
*Please note, we are unable to accommodate F, J, or M VISAs or summer work sponsorships for this program.
Preferred but not required:
- Experience recruiting participants for a study
- Experience with data analysis and/or biostatistical coursework
- Familiarity with Excel
- Scientific writing experience
*If you are accepted, there will be a fast timeline for the onboarding process, you must have the required materials available to complete the I-9 process, please review acceptable documentation.
APPLY TODAY
If you have any questions about the Scholars Program, please email our Director of Education and Student Programs Sam Sansweet at samantha.sansweet@northwestern.edu.
Testimonials
I had the most rewarding summer interning at CFAAR. Everyone was so welcoming and it was truly the most happy workplace environment I've been a part of.
This internship helped provide clarity as to what I enjoy about the field of public health and food allergy research, and I now have a clearer understanding of my values and what I want to strive for in my future career.