15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Missouri
If you are an undergraduate student, participating in an internship during college can help you strengthen your resume and build experience that supports your academic and career plans. Internships give you the chance to work on projects, understand how organizations operate, and gain practical knowledge in a field you are interested in. They can also improve your chances of securing future opportunities, as employers value candidates who already have relevant experience. For students interested in STEM, internships are a useful way to explore research, technology, and problem-solving in professional settings.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
Participating in a STEM internship while still in college allows you to apply what you learn to situations. You will get to work with industry tools, participate in research, or contribute to projects that address practical problems. These experiences help you build skills such as teamwork, communication, and analytical thinking, which are important in STEM careers. Internships also give you the chance to learn from professionals who can guide you and share insights about the field. Overall, a STEM internship will improve your employability and help you understand where your interests fit within the field.
Here are 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in Missouri worth checking out.
1. Mizzou Quantum Innovation Center Summer Internship Program
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Stipend: $2,500 (Undergraduate Research Assistants)
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University of Missouri; Must apply as part of a student–faculty team, with a co-authored white paper and formal endorsement from your faculty mentor
During this two-month summer internship, you’ll work closely with a faculty mentor to carry out a defined research project in quantum innovation. You’ll begin by co-developing and submitting a concise white paper outlining your research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and your respective roles within the project. If selected, you’ll engage in focused research using Quantum Innovation Center resources, with an emphasis on producing outcomes that may lead to publications or future externally funded work. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate directly with your mentor and contribute to the broader research community on campus. At the end of the term, you’ll present your findings at Mizzou Quantum Day, gaining experience in communicating technical work to an academic audience. The structure of the program encourages clear planning, defined mentorship, and achievable research goals within a limited summer timeframe.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who can commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks
In this remote internship program, you will be placed with a high-growth start-up, where you will work on defined projects over an 8-12 week period. The start-ups often span a range of industries, including technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, STEM, and consulting. You’ll work closely with a company manager as well as a Ladder Coach who provides guidance and structured support throughout the internship. Your responsibilities may include research, strategy development, content creation, product-related tasks, or operational support, depending on the company’s needs. At the end of the program, you present your work to the start-up team, gaining experience in professional communication and project delivery. Apply now!
3. International Research Experiences for Students (IRES): Understanding Pollinator-Mediated Diversification in Neotropical Plants
Location: Colombia (hosted by Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO)
Stipend: $650 per week
Dates: Virtual Pre-Departure Program: March 1 – May 31; International Research Experience: June 1 – August 10; Virtual Post-Travel Program: September 1 – December 1
Application Deadline: November 15 – January 15
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students at a U.S. institution; Graduating seniors in May/June or the summer of the program year are not eligible
In this NSF-supported IRES program, you’ll conduct an individual research project in pollination biology and evolutionary ecology, focusing on Anthurium species in Colombian forest ecosystems. You’ll work with U.S.- and Colombia-based Ph.D. mentors to design your study, collect and analyze field data, and interpret results within broader ecological and evolutionary frameworks. Research topics may include floral scent chemistry, pollinator specialization, olfactory and visual attraction cues, or predictive modeling of pollination systems. Before traveling, you’ll participate in a three-month virtual preparation program covering research planning, cultural orientation, and international fieldwork logistics. During the eight-week stay in Colombia, you’ll complete field research, attend training bootcamps, and engage in structured academic and cultural activities. After returning, you’ll continue with data analysis, scientific writing, and research dissemination through a virtual post-travel program that concludes with a formal presentation of your work.
4. Restoration of Endangered Mussels in the Osage River Internship
Location: U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO
Stipend: $20 per hour
Dates: May 16 – July 31 (3 months; schedule arranged with mentor)
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of 2.8+ and at least 45 credit hours; Must be pursuing a degree in fisheries and wildlife, biology, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field
In this internship, you’ll work with scientists at the Columbia Environmental Research Center on techniques to restore endangered freshwater mussels, including the Scaleshell mussel (Potamilus leptodon). Your responsibilities include laboratory and pond-based mussel culture, assisting with host fish care, collecting and handling larvae (glochidia), and monitoring juvenile mussel development. You’ll conduct water quality assessments and participate in field activities such as mussel augmentation and monitoring in Missouri rivers, including the Osage River. The role combines laboratory procedures with outdoor fieldwork, requiring adherence to safety protocols and the use of protective equipment and waders. You’ll also assist with data entry, basic analysis, and preparation of materials for scientific communication and outreach. Through daily collaboration with biologists and research staff, you’ll gain exposure to applied aquatic research and endangered species recovery practices.
5. Prairie Fork Research in Aquatic Ecology & Evolution Internship
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Stipend: $18 per hour
Dates: Mid-May – mid-August (3 months; schedule arranged with mentor)
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of 2.8+ and at least 45 credit hours; Must be pursuing a degree in fisheries and wildlife, biology, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field; A valid driver’s license is required by the start of employment
In this internship, you’ll work with Dr. Rick Relyea’s research group to study human impacts on wetlands, ponds, and lakes through field surveys and controlled experiments. You’ll collect organisms from natural sites, identify species such as fish, insects, bivalves, snails, aquatic plants, and plankton, and transport specimens to campus research facilities. Your work includes helping design and maintain laboratory and outdoor aquatic experiments that examine ecological patterns and stressors affecting food webs. You’ll collect, organize, and visualize data, contributing to ongoing research projects in aquatic ecology and evolution. The role involves regular fieldwork in outdoor conditions as well as collaboration with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and external partners such as the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Geological Survey. You may also participate in outreach activities, including events with local communities and K-12 schools.
6. Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences: Research Internships
Location: Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: Paid and unpaid positions available; academic credit may be offered
Dates: Typically, one semester (Winter/Spring, Summer, or Fall)
Application Deadline: Winter/Spring: November 1; Summer: March 1; Fall: July 1
Eligibility: Upper-level undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, and veterinary students (18+) with prior college coursework in a related field
In this internship program, you’ll join one of three research areas—Endocrinology, Behavior and Animal Welfare, or Reproductive Science—within the Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences. Your responsibilities will depend on the lab but may include hormone assay processing, behavioral data collection and analysis, reproductive data evaluation, literature reviews, and research record keeping. Most projects are research-focused and do not involve direct animal contact, though you may conduct live behavioral observations or assist in lab-based reproductive assessments. You’ll receive training in laboratory techniques, data management tools like Excel, and specialized research software where applicable. Internships typically last one academic semester and require a defined weekly time commitment, with expectations for independent work and collaboration with research staff. In some labs, you’ll complete a final presentation or summary of your work at the end of the term.
7. Translational Biomedicine Summer Research Program
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 9 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from all institutions; Applicants affiliated with NIH-funded MARC or RISE programs should indicate participation and provide a recommendation letter from their Program Director
During the Translational Biomedicine Summer Research Program, you will conduct full-time research in translational biomedicine under the mentorship of faculty aligned with your academic interests. Research areas include biochemistry and biophysics, cancer biology, infection and immunity, integrative physiology, nutrition and exercise physiology, and population and precision health. You will be matched with a mentor and work in a laboratory setting while participating in weekly Translational Biomedicine seminars and optional professional development sessions. You’ll be expected to attend required meetings, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and contribute consistently to your research project. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a poster forum summarizing your summer work.
8. MU Alcohol Research Training Summer School & Internship (MU-ARTSS)
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Stipend: $5,200 stipend; 1 hour of academic credit covered by the program
Dates: June 1 – August 1 (Didactic Program: June 3 – 10; Research Internship: June 11 – July 31)
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Undergraduates interested in alcohol research and related fields who can commit to full-time participation for the duration of the program
As part of MU-ARTSS, you’ll complete a week-long didactic course introducing psychosocial and biomedical research on alcohol use and related disorders, followed by an eight-week full-time research internship in the laboratory of a faculty mentor. You will be placed in a lab aligned with your interests, which may include human genetics, behavioral pharmacology, psychiatric epidemiology, neuroimaging, or statistical modeling. During the internship, you’ll work alongside faculty, graduate students, and fellow interns while contributing to ongoing research projects. Weekly group meetings include research updates, journal discussions, professional development sessions, and structured conversations about alcohol research topics. The program concludes with a formal presentation of your work and a poster presented at the Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Achievements Forum.
9. CURB Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $6,000+ summer stipend (adjusted by location)
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. nationals; Undergraduate students
In this NSF-supported REU program, you’ll conduct summer research focused on electro-biomanufacturing and related disciplines such as electrocatalysis, synthetic biology, bioprocessing, economics, machine learning, or political science. You will be placed at one of the participating universities and work closely with faculty mentors, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers on an active research project. Your work may involve laboratory experimentation, computational modeling, policy analysis, or economic evaluation, depending on your assigned area. Throughout the program, you’ll attend research seminars and center-wide discussions that connect scientific work with broader industrial and societal applications. The experience concludes with a poster presentation at an interdisciplinary research symposium where you share your findings.
10. Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): Artificial Intelligence in Modern Physics Research
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $700 per week for 10 weeks
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Undergraduate students in a STEM field
In this 10-week NSF-funded REU program, you’ll conduct mentored research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and physics. During the first week, you’ll complete orientation activities, research ethics training, and a four-day bootcamp focused on PyTorch and machine learning fundamentals. For the remaining nine weeks, you’ll work on a faculty-mentored project in areas such as astrophysics, condensed matter and quantum materials, or quantum sensing, integrating AI methods into physics research questions. You’ll also participate in structured professional development sessions, including research seminars, graduate school panels, and networking events with faculty and industry speakers. Weekly meetings and social activities provide opportunities to interact with other summer researchers. The program concludes with a research symposium where you deliver a formal presentation on your project.
11. Stowers Summer Scholars Program
Location: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO
Stipend: $5,000
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Students (18+) who have completed at least one year of undergraduate study and are enrolled in or recent graduates of programs in biology, biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, physics, computing, engineering, mathematics, or related fields
In this research internship, you’ll spend eight weeks working full-time in a laboratory on an independent research project under the supervision of a principal investigator or senior lab member. You’ll participate in ongoing research activities while learning experimental techniques and approaches used to study biological processes. Throughout the program, you’ll attend weekly scientific seminars and informal sessions where researchers discuss their work and career paths. You’ll collaborate with lab members and interact with other scholars, gaining exposure to how research teams operate in a professional setting. The experience also includes opportunities to engage with advanced technologies and methods used in areas such as genetics, neuroscience, and computational biology. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings during an institute-wide poster session.
12. Hitachi Energy: Summer Engineering Internship
Location: Hitachi Energy, Jefferson City, MO
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Applicants pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical, industrial, or related field) with authorization to work in the United States
In this 12-week internship, you’ll work on-site at the Hitachi Energy Jefferson City facility and contribute to engineering projects related to quality, process improvement, maintenance, drafting, or electrical design. You’ll spend a significant portion of your time on the production floor, supporting safety, quality, and operational efficiency initiatives. Your responsibilities may include troubleshooting production issues, assisting with process optimization, and collaborating with technicians and engineers who maintain manufacturing equipment. You will be expected to communicate clearly across teams, prioritize multiple tasks, and adapt to changing project needs. The program structure allows you to be matched to a role aligned with your major within a broader engineering category. Throughout the internship, you’ll gain experience working in a manufacturing environment while contributing to ongoing operational projects.
13. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee (waiver available); $1,299 tuition for 3 undergraduate credits (waiver available)
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 15
Eligibility: Students at least 15 years old by June 18 for virtual internships
ASSIP allows you to conduct original, mentor-guided research remotely while working one-on-one with faculty researchers and collaborating institutions. Over eight weeks, you’ll engage in research projects in areas such as computer modeling, data science, cybersecurity, machine learning, climate science, psychology, computational biology, and other STEM fields. You’ll develop scientific writing, data analysis, and research communication skills while participating in online discussion forums and career exploration sessions with STEM professionals. Throughout the program, you’ll exercise creativity and critical thinking as you contribute to cutting-edge research using digital tools and virtual lab platforms. The experience culminates in a final virtual poster presentation, and you earn three college credits upon successful completion.
14. EarthRISE Developers Academy
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Undergrads (18+) who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must reside and work within the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C., for the entire term
In this internship, you’ll work on interdisciplinary projects that use NASA Earth observation data to address environmental and geospatial challenges. You’ll collaborate in small teams and conduct tasks such as reviewing relevant research, analyzing remote sensing and GIS data, and developing application-based solutions for partner organizations. With guidance from project coordinators, science advisors, and mentors, you’ll contribute to projects related to topics like invasive species monitoring, water quality, or drought analysis. By the end of the term, you will have helped prepare a presentation, technical report, and project outputs that communicate your team’s findings to different audiences.
15. L’SPACE Program (Mission Concept Academy/NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 15 weeks
Application Deadline: April 12
Eligibility: Undergraduates (18+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this program, you’ll work with interdisciplinary teams to learn how space missions are planned, designed, and evaluated. Depending on the academy you join, you’ll either help develop a preliminary mission concept or focus on writing and reviewing proposals that address space-related challenges. You’ll participate in weekly sessions led by industry professionals while collaborating with teammates on structured projects that follow real mission development processes. The program includes hands-on exposure to tools used in spacecraft design and planetary data analysis, along with opportunities to practice technical writing and communication. Throughout the experience, mentors will guide your team and help you stay organized while working toward project deliverables. By the end of the program, you will contribute to mission concepts or proposals and gain experience in presenting and evaluating technical work in a collaborative environment.
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