15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Louisiana
If you are an undergraduate student interested in STEM, an internship can be a worthwhile way to explore this field in great detail. By participating in an internship, you move beyond coursework and begin building skills, professional references, and documented project experience that employers and graduate programs value. Instead of listing only academic achievements, your resume can highlight research contributions, tools and technologies you have used, and problems you have helped solve. If you’re pursuing a STEM field, internships are particularly important because employers prioritize applied experience alongside academic performance.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship provides more than exposure, as it demonstrates clear evidence of your technical competence. You will develop technical skills in executing laboratory protocols, analyzing datasets, building research tools, or testing engineered systems. You will gain insight into how professional research and industry teams operate, strengthening your collaboration, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Internships also help you to clarify your career direction and figure out whether you prefer research, applied industry roles, entrepreneurship, or graduate study before making long-term commitments.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in Louisiana. The selected programs offer clear mentorship frameworks, funded positions, and meaningful research or technical work.
1. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine – Paid Undergraduate Summer Research Program
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge
Stipend: $6,000 plus university housing and a meal plan | up to $500 for travel expenses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled in any U.S. college or university, as well as recent postbaccalaureate candidates | applications who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or hold student or exchange visas such as F-1, H1, H1B, J1, PR, or TN
In this paid STEM internship for undergraduates in Louisiana, participants work within a faculty-led research environment where daily responsibilities mirror real laboratory or applied research. You can expect structured supervision as you learn how to follow research protocols, document findings, and communicate progress like a professional researcher. Depending on the assigned mentor’s focus, your work may involve biomedical methods, animal health questions, or related translational topics that connect research to clinical applications. You’ll build core skills in research planning, data handling, and scientific professionalism while contributing to an active project. You’re also provided with opportunities to present or summarize outcomes for a scientific audience, as such programs like these typically emphasize research communication.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% as acceptance rate
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, committing 10 - 20 hours/week
The Ladder University Internship Program connects participants with a startup or nonprofit for an eight-week remote internship during the academic semester. Your placement is based on your academic background and professional interests, which may include technology, finance, media, or mental health. At the beginning, you work with your company supervisor and a dedicated ladder coach to define clear project goals and expected deliverables. The work is project-based and may involve backend development, UI improvements, research analysis, internal systems development, or strategy-focused initiatives. The program includes weekly check-ins and milestone reviews to track progress and refine outcomes. The experience concludes with a formal presentation of your completed work to both the host organization and fellow participants. Apply now.
3. LSU Physics & Astronomy – NSF REU in Physics and Astronomy
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 25 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in any academic year (freshman through senior) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This STEM internship for undergraduates in Louisiana places you on a physics or astronomy research track where you spend the summer engaged in hands-on research work. Project areas include astrophysics, gravitational waves, quantum or optics, materials, and nuclear or medical physics, so you can align your work with your long-term direction. Your work typically includes guided research execution, reading papers with purpose, and developing the confidence to clearly explain your results. Beyond lab work, the program builds in professional development through seminars and structured activities. You also gain broader exposure through facility tours and field visits. The end-of-summer poster component allows you to translate complex work into a compelling research narrative.
4. LSU Computation & Technology (CCT) – Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Location: LSU Center for Computation & Technology, Baton Rouge
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 25 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates and community college students interested in a major that is within the computational sciences umbrella, with at least a GPA of 2.75 | U.S. citizen or permanent resident | must be graduating at least one semester after completion of the REU
This internship allows you to spend ten weeks in an active computational research group at LSU’s Center for Computation & Technology. Research areas include high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, quantum materials, computational chemistry and biology, cybersecurity, and astrophysics. You will use LSU’s high-performance computing systems to run simulations, analyze large datasets, and develop research-grade code. Each participant is paired with a faculty mentor and works alongside graduate researchers on a defined project with clear deliverables. The program also includes seminars focused on research methods and scientific communication. You can present your findings at the end of the program, and some projects may lead to conference papers or publications.
5. LSU Mechanical & Industrial Engineering – SMART REU (Smart Polymer Composite Materials & Structures)
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 - July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates enrolled in a two- or four-year institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 | U.S. citizen or permanent resident
The SMART REU at Louisiana State University focuses on research in smart polymer composite materials and structural systems. You will be matched with a faculty mentor from disciplines such as chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science. During the application process, you can indicate your top project preferences, and placements are made based on alignment with your background and research goals. Projects may involve materials synthesis, structural performance testing, computational modeling, or data-driven analysis of composite systems. Beyond lab work, the program includes structured professional development sessions and guided tours of LSU research facilities. You will work on a defined research problem with measurable objectives, and present your findings at the end of the program.
6. LSU Cain Department of Chemical Engineering – NSF REU Program
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 - July 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate student in any academic year (freshman through senior) | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The LSU Cain Department of Chemical Engineering offers a 10-week summer STEM internship designed to introduce participants to research careers in chemical engineering, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications. You will be paired with a faculty mentor based on your interests and will contribute to a research project within the department. Research areas typically span core chemical engineering domains, including reaction engineering, materials, energy systems, and process design. The program integrates entrepreneurship-focused components, exposing you to how research can transition into commercialization. Additionally, weekly seminars, workshops, and site visits supplement lab work covering topics such as research methods, ethics, patents, and intellectual property. You will also interact with faculty who have startup experience and mentors who are affiliated with LSU Innovation Park, providing insight into startup and industry pathways. Participants are expected to present their research findings at the end of the program.
7. Louisiana Tech University – FUTURE Sensors NSF REU
Location: Louisiana Tech University (program sites include participating universities) and annual summer conference at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8 students
Dates: June 4 - July 31 | annual meeting: July 30 - 31
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an EPSCoR state or territory school | cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0
The Louisiana Tech FUTURE Sensors REU is an eight-week interdisciplinary STEM internship for undergraduates in Louisiana focused on developing chemical sensors to detect environmental pollutants. You will work with faculty mentors across disciplines such as engineering, biology, applied mathematics, sociology, and economics. Research projects range from laboratory-based sensor fabrication and testing to quantitative modeling of environmental toxin exposure and its economic or societal impact. The program is part of a multi-year initiative aimed at designing sensors capable of detecting heavy metals and pesticide contamination in surface water and potentially in human populations. Interns gain hands-on experience using advanced laboratory equipment and analytical tools while contributing to a defined research objective. The program also encourages interaction with students from multiple institutions, creating a collaborative research cohort. You are expected to present your research findings at the end of the program.
8. LSU Health New Orleans – Research Experiences for Undergraduates in the Basic Sciences, Genomics, and Neuroscience
Location: LSUHSC–New Orleans, New Orleans (in-person and online)
Stipend: $7,000 plus $900 per diem
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 - July 24 (in-person) | July 27 - August 3 (online)
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: College undergraduates majoring in any of the sciences (for example, biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, or environmental science) with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 | US citizens or permanent residents
This 10-week REU at LSU Health New Orleans provides undergraduates with laboratory research training in the biological and biomedical sciences. You will be matched with a faculty mentor in one of several departments, including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology, or epidemiology. Research projects are defined after mentor matching and involve designing experiments, collecting data, and interpreting results under direct supervision. You receive one-on-one mentorship focused on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific presentation skills. The program also includes weekly seminars introducing you to medical and basic research areas across LSUHSC. You are required to complete research compliance training and follow professional research standards. The experience concludes in a judged poster presentation at the LSUHSC research day, where you formally present your findings to faculty and local scientists.
9. Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC) – SUCRE (Summer Undergraduate Cancer Research Experience)
Location: Louisiana Cancer Research Center, New Orleans
Stipend: $6,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 - July 24
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current undergrads with at least one semester remaining
The SUCRE program at the Louisiana Cancer Research Center is an 8-week cancer research internship providing hands-on experience in cancer biology. You will be matched with a research mentor and develop a defined project focused on cancer biology, including areas such as tumor growth, metastasis, molecular mechanisms, or infection-related cancers. Projects are designed to investigate the biological processes underlying cancer development and to contribute to improved prevention, detection, or treatment strategies. You will design and conduct experiments under faculty supervision while working alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in active laboratory environments. This internship provides access to specialized instrumentation and shared core research facilities used across the LCRC network. You also participate in seminars covering graduate school preparation, research ethics, and scientific communication. Participants present their findings at the end of the program, gaining formal experience in research dissemination.
10. American Heart Association SURE
Location: LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Undergraduates rolling into their sophomore, junior, or senior years
The American Heart Association SURE program is an 8-week summer research experience focused on cardiovascular science. You will be matched with a faculty mentor and work on a defined research project related to heart or vascular health, gaining exposure to laboratory, translational, or data-driven cardiovascular research. The program is specifically designed for students considering careers in STEM fields related to cardiovascular science and medicine. Along with hands-on research, you will participate in professional development sessions and networking events with AHA scientists and fellow scholars. The experience includes funding for travel and housing support, along with a research stipend. Participants also attend the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions conference the following November, with expenses covered, providing national-level research exposure.
11. University of Louisiana at Lafayette – TExBioMed Summer Institute
Location: UL Lafayette, Lafayette
Stipend: $7,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 11 students
Dates: May 12 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduates should have completed at least one year toward their academic degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette | GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 | have completed at least three basic life sciences and physical sciences courses and two in mathematics, computer science, and/or engineering | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The TExBioMed is a research-focused STEM internship for undergraduates in biomedical informatics. You will be matched with a faculty mentor and complete a mentored research project, concluding in a formal presentation of your findings. Projects integrate data-driven approaches across areas such as bioinformatics, proteomics, public health informatics, and computational biomedical research. The program combines hands-on research with didactic lectures and case-based learning that cover core concepts of biomedical informatics. You will receive academic and career guidance while building connections with faculty, peers, and researchers from both academia and industry. Networking components are integrated throughout the experience to expand your professional exposure.
12. University of New Orleans – College of Sciences Undergraduate Research Program (COSURP)
Location: University of New Orleans, New Orleans
Stipend: $15/hour | Up to 100 paid hours spring plus 100 paid hours fall
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall and Spring semesters (Up to 100 hours)
Application Deadline: October 6
Eligibility: Undergraduates in UNO’s College of Sciences
The COSURP supports undergraduate students in UNO’s College of Sciences by funding paid research opportunities across all seven science departments. You will work with a faculty mentor on an ongoing research project while earning compensation for your contributions. Students can work up to 10 hours per week and are eligible for up to 100 funded research hours in both the spring and fall semesters. The program is structured as paid scholarly work, allowing you to build research experience alongside your regular coursework. Research assignments vary by department and may include laboratory experiments, data analysis, fieldwork, or computational projects. Some departments also offer an option to receive course credit for independent research, depending on academic requirements. Participants often present their work at campus research events, gaining formal presentation experience.
13. Tulane University – TURE (Tulane Use-Inspired Research & Entrepreneurship Program)
Location: Tulane University (School of Science and Engineering), New Orleans
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 25 - July 29
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate program at a two- or four-year institution | cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
This STEM internship for undergraduates in Louisiana is delivered in partnership with the Tulane University Innovation Institute. You will work on a use-inspired research project addressing challenges in health, energy, or environmental systems. Sample project themes include machine learning applications for clinical prediction, catalyst design for hydrogen production, or strategies to mitigate harmful algal blooms. You will also participate in weekly research seminars and workshops covering research ethics, scientific communication, and innovation-focused skills. The curriculum also includes sessions on entrepreneurship and the process of translating research into practical applications. Interactive discussion panels address graduate school preparation and professional development topics. Participants engage in research presentations and site-based learning experiences, including field visits within the New Orleans research ecosystem.
14. LSU AgCenter – Charles & Rose Broussard Internship Program
Location: Various sites across LA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1 student per year
Dates: Primarily focused on the summer, but some flexibility exists for alternative time periods
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Part-time or full-time college students
The Charles & Rose Broussard Internship Program offers one paid internship each year within its LSU AgCenter research station system. The selected intern may complete their placement at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley, the Iberia Research Station near Jeanerette, or the Dean Lee Research and Extension Center near Alexandria. You will gain experience in agricultural research, including field trials, crop data collection, laboratory analysis, and applied research support. You will work alongside research station scientists and staff, contributing to ongoing agricultural studies and extension initiatives. The experience builds practical training in agricultural science and applied research methods.
15. UL Lafayette’s Informatics Research Institute – Emerging Tech Internship
Location: UL Lafayette, Lafayette
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer internship
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Seniors and recent graduates from UL's School of Computing and Informatics, Houston Community College
The Emerging Tech Internship at UL Lafayette is a collaborative program developed by the Informatics Research Institute and Opportunity Machine in partnership with regional technology companies. You will work with startups and innovation-driven organizations on technical projects related to software development, data systems, and emerging technology applications. Participants collaborate with technology companies affiliated with Opportunity Machine, Acadiana’s entrepreneurship support organization for research-driven startups. Projects may involve building technical tools, contributing to product development, or supporting innovation initiatives within early-stage companies. You will interact with entrepreneurs and industry mentors while gaining experience in fast-paced startup environments.
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