15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in West Virginia
A STEM internship helps you apply classroom knowledge to problems while building skills that employers and graduate schools value. In this guide, we’ve narrowed down 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in West Virginia that might fit your interests and academic goals.
Internships are one of the most practical ways to build experience while you’re still in college. They help you move beyond classroom learning and start working on projects that strengthen your resume and professional profile. When you work in a lab, research center, or tech organization, you start understanding how theories are applied. Internships also enhance your employability, as employers often prefer graduates who already have experience in their field. For students interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, internships are especially useful. They allow you to explore specialized research areas, work with faculty mentors, and build technical skills that are difficult to gain through coursework alone.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship helps you apply classroom knowledge to problems while building skills that employers and graduate schools value. When you participate in research or technical projects, you learn how experiments are designed, how data is analyzed, and how teams collaborate to solve complex challenges. Another benefit is professional exposure. Many STEM internships involve working with faculty researchers, graduate students, or industry professionals. This mentorship can help you gain a deeper understanding of career paths in research, industry, or academia.
If you’re studying STEM in college, looking for STEM internships for undergraduates can be a great step toward gaining research experience and building a stronger academic profile. West Virginia has several research universities and institutions that offer structured internship opportunities in fields like biomedical science, mathematics, neuroscience, and astrophysics. In this guide, we’ve narrowed down 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in West Virginia that might fit your interests and academic goals.
Location: West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) and Marshall University (Huntington, WV)
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~15–20 interns
Dates: May 26 – July 28
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at institutions within the WV-INBRE network; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This program is one of the most established biomedical research opportunities among STEM internships for undergraduates in West Virginia. During the internship, you will work on graduate-level research projects under faculty mentors in research laboratories across the state. Research areas include neuroscience, cancer biology, molecular biology, toxicology, cardiovascular science, and genetics. You also attend seminars, research workshops, and professional development sessions that help you understand how academic research works. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and data analysis tools. The program concludes with a statewide research symposium where interns present their research findings.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Spring, Winter, and Fall
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort - Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week, remote experience that pairs you directly with high-growth startups in STEM fields like artificial intelligence, software engineering, health tech, biotech, and environmental science. This program uniquely matches you with real companies and provides a dual-mentorship model featuring both a company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. During the internship, you will analyze real-world data, build tech prototypes, and shadow startup founders. You will then conclude the program by delivering a formal presentation of your tangible deliverables. Through these hands-on tasks, you will learn technical problem-solving and data analysis, while strengthening professional skills like time management and workplace communication. Apply now!
3. WVU Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
Location: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 60 students
Dates: May 26 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors (as of Fall, graduating December or later) who are either enrolled at a West Virginia higher education institution or are West Virginia residents studying out of state
The SURE program allows undergraduate students to conduct full-time research with faculty mentors at West Virginia University. You typically work around 40 hours per week on independent or collaborative research projects in fields such as engineering, chemistry, computer science, physics, and biology. You also enroll in a research course that covers topics like research ethics, scientific communication, and preparing for graduate school. You’ll learn how to design experiments, collect data, and analyze results with guidance from experienced researchers. At the end of the program, students present their work through a formal research presentation and final report.
4. WVU Summer Undergraduate Vision Research Fellowship
Location: WVU Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 6–10 interns
Dates: May 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students enrolled at a U.S. college or university who are entering sophomore year or higher; international students studying at U.S. institutions may apply, but must obtain their own visa/work authorization
This fellowship focuses specifically on vision science and eye disease research, where interns work in laboratories studying areas such as visual neuroscience, retinal disease, gene therapy, and the biochemistry of vision disorders. During the program, you receive training in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis. The internship also includes seminars, journal clubs, and networking opportunities with scientists and clinicians working in ophthalmology research. Because of its small cohort size, this program provides a more focused mentorship experience compared to many STEM internships for undergraduates in West Virginia. Students present their research findings at the end of the fellowship.
5. WVU Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Opportunity (NURO)
Location: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Stipend: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; up to 4 interns
Dates: 25 May – 25 July
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed their second or third year in STEM majors and have a minimum GPA of 3.0; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
NURO is a research-intensive internship focused on neuroscience and brain science. You will conduct experiments in areas like neurobiology, brain imaging, neurodegenerative disease research, and neural signaling. The program includes journal clubs and research seminars where students discuss scientific literature and learn about current developments in neuroscience. You also gain experience using research tools and analyzing experimental data. The internship ends with a poster presentation at a university research symposium. Due to its small cohort and specialized focus, NURO is considered one of the more selective STEM internships for undergraduates in West Virginia.
6. Marshall University Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
Location: Marshall University, Huntington, WV
Stipend: $4,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small cohort sizes
Dates: May 18 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Undergraduate STEM majors at Marshall or partner institutions; have a track record of research (not intended for beginners); not graduate before August; not enroll in other courses or hold outside employment during the 10-week period
The Marshall University Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is an intensive, 10-week fellowship designed to give STEM students research experience under the mentorship of university faculty. It allows students to work on research projects across several STEM fields such as engineering, environmental science, biology, chemistry, or computer science. The internship focuses on developing research skills through hands-on investigation and mentorship. Students also attend professional development workshops and research seminars throughout the summer. The program concludes with a presentation where interns share their research findings with faculty and peers.
7. American Heart Association Undergraduate Research Internship (Marshall University)
Location: Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 5 interns
Dates: May 26 – July 28
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Full-time Marshall University undergraduates who will not have graduated before August 2026; must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid student visa (F-1, J-1, etc.)
The American Heart Association (AHA) Undergraduate Research Internship at Marshall University is a prestigious summer program designed to provide students with intensive, graduate-level research experience within the laboratory of a faculty member at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. It focuses on research related to cardiovascular disease and stroke, where you work with faculty researchers studying molecular biology, physiology, and disease mechanisms affecting heart health. You participate in laboratory experiments, analyze biomedical data, and learn how to prepare scientific reports. Interns present their findings at the WV Summer Research Symposium and may also attend national scientific conferences.
8. WVU Cancer Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Location: West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~4–6 students annually (3–4 WVU students and 1–2 from other U.S. colleges)
Dates: May 18 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Full-time sophomore or junior undergraduate students enrolled at a U.S. college or university; previous program participants are not eligible
This program provides an immersive experience in biomedical and cancer research, where interns work closely with oncology researchers studying cancers such as breast, lung, pancreatic, brain, and head and neck cancers. You will receive training in cellular, molecular, and biochemical laboratory techniques using advanced research instruments. The program also emphasizes mentorship and collaboration with faculty and research teams. Students take part in community-building activities and outdoor excursions around Morgantown. For students interested in medical research, this is one of the more specialized STEM internships for undergraduates in West Virginia.
9. WVU Applied Analysis REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates)
Location: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~8–10 students
Dates: May 31 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents; not graduating before the program ends; majoring in Mathematics or a related field
The West Virginia University (WVU) Applied Analysis REU is an eight-week, NSF-funded summer program designed for undergraduate students to engage in advanced mathematical research, specifically focusing on partial differential equations (PDEs) and applied analysis. You will work with faculty mentors on open research problems in areas such as applied analysis and partial differential equations, and develop skills in mathematical modeling, analytical reasoning, and theoretical research. Workshops on graduate school preparation and research communication are also included. Participants collaborate with peers while producing original mathematical research. At the end of the program, students present their findings at a research symposium.
10. Astrophysics & Plasma Physics REU at WVU
Location: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Stipend: $5,000 + $1,570 food allowance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~10–12 interns
Dates: May 18 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising sophomores through rising seniors and rising freshmen with advanced (Honors or Advanced Placement) Physics and Astronomy coursework or those involved in the First 2 network; U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; minimum 2.8 GPA in STEM; majoring in physics or astronomy undergraduate degree programs (baccalaureate or associate and part-time or full-time)
The West Virginia University (WVU) Astrophysics and Plasma Physics REU is a 10-week summer research program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It offers students the opportunity to work on projects ranging from solar wind simulations to pulsar discoveries at the Green Bank Observatory. You will work with faculty researchers on projects involving pulsars, plasma physics, supernova remnants, and telescope instrumentation, where you may analyze astronomical data, run simulations, or conduct laboratory experiments related to space science. The program includes seminars and mentoring sessions about careers in astrophysics. The internship concludes with a formal research presentation and poster session.
11. WVU Center for Resilient Communities Internship
Location: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV (with fieldwork across West Virginia)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~10–15 interns per year
Dates: Spring Semester (January – April)
Application Deadline: October 14
Eligibility: Currently enrolled WVU undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Center for Resilient Communities (CRC) at West Virginia University (WVU) offers the Resilient Communities Internship (formerly known as the Sustainable Development Internship or SDI). This program is designed for undergraduate students interested in community leadership, participatory action research, and social change within the Appalachian region. You will collaborate with researchers, community organizations, and policymakers on projects related to environmental justice, food systems, and climate resilience. You’ll collect and analyze environmental and social data while learning interdisciplinary research methods. Students contribute to projects that aim to improve environmental and economic outcomes in West Virginia.
12. WVU Summer Program for Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Sciences (SPUR)
Location: WVU Health Sciences Center (HSC); Morgantown, West Virginia
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 10–12 students
Dates: May 28 – July 23
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate rising juniors or seniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The WVU Summer Program for Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Sciences (SPUR) is an intensive eight-week STEM internship where you engage in high-caliber research at the WVU Health Sciences Center. Throughout the summer, you explore specialized topics including cancer cell biology, neuroscience, immunology, and pharmaceutical sciences. As a participant, you will execute a laboratory project, collaborate with a faculty mentor, attend targeted professional development workshops, and formally present your scientific findings. A unique feature of this program is its dedicated support for students interested in an MD/PhD physician-scientist pathway, alongside a strong emphasis on building diversity within the biomedical field.
13. NSF REU Site in Chemistry at West Virginia University
Location: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 10 students
Dates: Late May – Late July (typically 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Enrolled in an undergraduate program; U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; Chemistry or Biochemistry majors (pre-majors considered); WVU students are ineligible
The NSF REU Site in Chemistry at West Virginia University offers you an intensive summer experience centered on societally relevant chemical research. You will explore topics encompassing analytical, bioanalytical, forensic, physical, biophysical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. During the program, you will conduct laboratory experiments, participate in professional development workshops, and present your scientific findings at a summer research symposium. The program bridges traditional scientific disciplines to solve real-world societal challenges while fostering a highly supportive peer and faculty mentoring network.
14. NSF REU Site: Undergraduate Robotics Research in Human-Swarm Interaction
Location: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 10 students
Dates: May 18 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student who will not have graduated before the program starts
The NSF REU Site in Undergraduate Robotics Research in Human-Swarm Interaction immerses you in the applied STEM fields of computer science, mechanical engineering, and robotics. You will explore core topics like autonomous systems, distributed algorithms, swarm behavior emergence, and advanced human-swarm interaction. Your primary activities will include building a 50-robot testing environment, investigating non-hierarchical agent interaction rules, and running experiments to design novel control modes. A unique feature of this program is its hawk-inspired swarm system, which allows a single operator to manage self-organizing swarms without relying on traditional direct command structures.
15. Marshall University REU: Undergraduate Research in Data Analytics (URDA)
Location: Marshall University, Huntington, WV
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 10 students
Dates: May 20 – July 29
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; currently enrolled undergraduates; must have completed at least one programming course (Python, C++, etc.)
The Marshall University REU in Undergraduate Research in Data Analytics (URDA) immerses you in a 10-week summer program connecting your STEM education with real-world applications. During the program, you explore core topics like big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity through predictive analytics. You will engage in faculty-guided research projects, attend weekly technical seminars, participate in daily mentor discussions, and present your findings at a closing symposium. The program features a multidisciplinary mentorship spanning computer science and engineering, alongside a targeted recruitment focus on students from the Appalachia region. Ultimately, you learn cutting-edge technical skills like programming Jupyter Notebooks and analyzing IoT networks.
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