15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Oregon

If you are a college student interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, an internship can help you gain practical experience in your field. Internships give you the chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, whether that involves assisting with research, analyzing data, or supporting engineering and technology teams. These skills you develop, the projects you contribute to, and the professionals you work with can make you a stronger candidate for jobs, research roles, and graduate programs, strengthening your overall profile 

If you happen to be based in or around Oregon, a local internship is a super accessible way to gain experience without spending a ton of money.

If you want to check out STEM internships in other states, have a look at those on offer in Arizona here, and for those near Colorado, find a list of STEM internships there here!

Why should I do a STEM internship in college?

A STEM internship gives you the space to apply what you’ve learned in class to real-world projects, while also building technical and professional skills, such as data analysis, research methods, coding, and teamwork. This then helps you understand how STEM concepts are used in professional settings and how different roles contribute to solving real-world problems. You’ll also get to explore different subject areas within STEM, helping you clarify your career interests. Many internships also provide mentorship and opportunities to build professional connections with scientists, researchers, and top experts. 

Oregon offers a variety of STEM internship opportunities for undergraduate students through research institutions, technology companies, environmental organizations, and engineering teams. With that in mind, here are 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in Oregon.

1. Biomedical & Bioinformatics Research Internship and Training Experience (B-BRITE) 

Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 
Stipend: $4,500
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year with an interest in biomedical or data sciences; Prior introductory college-level science coursework is expected, with biochemistry or computer science preferred; More details here

The B-BRITE Internship at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is an eight-week research program for college students interested in cancer studies. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and work on a project in areas such as experimental therapeutics, translational oncology, imaging research, or cellular signalling. Along with hands-on research, the program includes training in experimental methods and data analysis, professional development seminars, and networking opportunities. It concludes with you and other participants presenting a research paper based on your project to your internship cohort.

2. Ladder University Internship Program 

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by the program; Financial aid is available 
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on the cohort; Apply here
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students able to commit 5-10 hours for 8 weeks

The Ladder University connects you with early-stage startups and nonprofits for a remote, project-based experience. You’ll work on real-world challenges in fields like AI, health tech, sustainability, engineering, and business, matched to your interests and skills. You’ll collaborate directly with startup founders and team leads on projects like building web tools, coding systems for medical devices, analyzing datasets, or developing go-to-market strategies. The internship runs for 8–12 weeks with a flexible 5–10-hour weekly schedule. You can apply here.

3. Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Program (CPB - SURP)

Location: OHSU School of Medicine, Portland, OR
Stipend: $5,742
Dates: 9 weeks from June 16
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Current undergraduate sophomores and juniors with an interest in pursuing graduate-level study and a career in biomedical research; Must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or valid visa holders

The CPB-SURP program at Oregon Health & Science University is a nine-week summer research experience for undergraduate students interested in biomedicine. As a participant, you will be paired with a faculty mentor and contribute to ongoing lab projects on topics such as cellular responses to infections, neuron–heart communication in cardiac disease, or drug effects on cellular signalling. Alongside research, the program includes professional development sessions on graduate school preparation, biomedical career pathways, and networking through social and academic events. The program concludes with you presenting your findings as a research poster at a final symposium.

4. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Internships 

Location: PNNL, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, or Richland, WA + Remote
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Varies by internship 
Application Deadline: Varies by internship 
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students; Individual internships typically have additional requirements 

Undergraduate students interested in large-scale scientific research and national security can pursue internships at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a U.S. Department of Energy lab. The Safeguards Internship Program focuses on nuclear nonproliferation and safeguarding, while the Project Internship Program offers research opportunities in physical, biological, earth, and energy sciences. These internships provide hands-on experience in collaborative environments and can lead to careers at PNNL or at federal agencies such as the National Nuclear Security Administration.

5. Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP) Internships

Location: Multiple company placement options in Portland, OR
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 6 months
Application Deadline: Opens mid-February 
Eligibility: Current sophomores at Oregon State University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Portland State University, or the University of Portland; Accepted majors and program tracks vary by institution

The Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP) at Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program connects Oregon college students with industry partners for extended, hands-on work experience. During the final two years of college, you will complete two separate six-month internships with different companies in fields such as manufacturing, electronics and software, civil engineering, or environmental engineering. After the interview process, the program matches you with a company and mentor. The first placement focuses on projects related to your major and introduces you to professional team environments, while the second internship takes place at another organization.

6. CEOAS Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Location: Oregon State University – College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Corvallis, OR, with some activities and research opportunities at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, OR
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 15 – August 14
Application Deadline:  February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled at a two- or four-year college who are not graduating seniors; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Applicants from STEM majors, including environmental science, physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and mathematics, are encouraged

The Summer Research Internship at the Oregon State University College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences is a nine-week program where you will work closely with faculty mentors on research related to earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences. During the program, you will contribute to a research project in areas such as climate science, marine ecosystems, ocean geology, or environmental data analysis. Alongside research, you will attend seminars, participate in field trips, and connect with scientists and fellow interns. These activities help you learn research methods, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program concludes with you presenting your research findings to the wider internship cohort.

7. Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) 

Location: University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 
Stipend: Paid; exact amount not disclosed
Dates: June 15 – August 22
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who are at least 18 years old before the program begins, have completed at least one year of undergraduate coursework.

The SPUR Program at the University of Oregon is a summer research program that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to work on real scientific projects alongside university faculty and researchers. In this program, you will gain hands-on experience in laboratory research, data collection, analysis, and scientific problem-solving across different STEM disciplines, particularly in the life sciences. Alongside research work, the program offers mentorship, professional development workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities that help students strengthen their technical, academic, and communication skills while preparing for future careers or graduate study in STEM fields.

8. Hatfield Marine Science Summer Research Internship 

Location: Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR + Hybrid & remote options 
Stipend: $700 per week
Dates: June 15 – August 22
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in an undergraduate program with at least one term remaining after the summer internship toward their bachelor’s degree

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, part of Oregon State University, offers you the opportunity to spend about 9-10 weeks conducting research in marine and estuarine sciences. During the program, you will work with a research mentor on an independent project related to topics such as oceanography, fisheries, marine ecosystems, environmental chemistry, or climate change. Alongside research, you will take part in seminars, field trips, and networking activities with scientists and fellow interns. The program helps you build research and data analysis skills while gaining insight into careers in marine and environmental science. It concludes with a presentation of your research findings.

9. Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program 

Location: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 15 
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and high school students at least 16 years of age

The Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship at Oregon Health & Science University is a 10-week minimum, hands-on biomedical research program where you will work in a real laboratory environment, developing novel contrast agents used to enhance medical imaging technologies. You will gain direct training in techniques such as cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, immunostaining, organic synthesis, spectroscopy, and image analysis, while also learning how these tools are applied to solve real biomedical challenges. Through this experience, you will be exposed to cutting-edge research in molecular imaging. You will also get to build practical skills in both experimental and analytical methods within biomedical engineering.

10. OrION Internship Program

Location: OSGC member institutions across Oregon
Stipend: $7,300
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling 
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university; Must maintain good academic standing

The OrION Internship Program, run by the Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium at Oregon State University, supports undergraduate students working on STEM research projects connected to NASA-related fields. During the program, you will work with a faculty mentor at a participating institution on a research or technical project in areas such as aerospace, engineering, earth science, or space technology. The internship provides hands-on experience with research methods, problem-solving, and technical collaboration. Through mentorship and project work, you will also gain insight into how scientific research supports space exploration and related technological advancements.

11. Galbraith Laboratory: Quantitative Biology/Biophysics Internship

Location: Knight Cancer Institute and OHSU Department of Biomedical Engineering, Portland, OR
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8 weeks beginning in June
Application Deadline: Not mentioned 
Eligibility: Current high school and undergraduate students

Through the Galbraith Lab internship at Oregon Health & Science University, you will take part in a two-month summer research experience in quantitative biology and biophysics. As an intern, you will develop a research project based on your interests while working closely with a lab mentor, exploring areas such as super-resolution microscopy, cellular imaging, photophysics, or using machine learning to analyze cell movement. During the program, you will meet regularly with principal investigators for guidance, learn how to review scientific literature and perform quantitative analysis, and present weekly progress updates to the lab team. The internship concludes with you presenting your research at the Pacific Northwest Quantitative Biology Consortium meeting, with the possibility of contributing to a scientific abstract as a co-author.

12. OHSU Equity Research Program 

Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Stipend: $4,500
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: November 12 – January 23
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed at least one college-level course in the core sciences (may require a lab component), and at least one course in math/statistics

The OHSU Equity Research Program offers an eight-week summer research internship designed for college students from underrepresented backgrounds in academia. You will apply to a specific research track, such as biomedical studies, public health, dental, or medicine, and work under the guidance of faculty mentors and professional scientists on a personalized research project. Depending on your interests and track, your work may involve analyzing patient health outcomes, conducting experiments with cell or DNA samples, evaluating drug efficacy, or using statistical and computational methods for healthcare research. The program provides hands-on experience while supporting your growth as a researcher in a professional academic setting.

13. L'SPACE Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None 
Dates: 15-week fall and spring sessions
Application Deadline: March 8 
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate level)

The program consists of a virtual training experience for U.S. college students supported by NASA and the Lucy Mission. It is made up of two 15-week academies that teach you how NASA missions are developed and how technical proposals are prepared, written, and reviewed. You will take part in live online sessions, collaborate with teammates on structured projects, and complete weekly assignments outside of class. The program helps you strengthen skills in mission planning, technical writing, teamwork, and problem-solving within a space-industry style environment. After completing an academy, you will be eligible to apply for summer internships with NASA partners, where you will gain hands-on exposure to space science and mission operations.

14. Robots in the Real World REU (CoRIS) 

Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Stipend: $7,000 
Dates: June 22 – August 28
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: Undergraduate students only; Must be enrolled in a college/university during the program year

The Robots in the Real World REU at Oregon State University is a 10-week, fully funded summer research program where you will work in robotics labs on real-world challenges such as autonomous systems, human-robot interaction, and field robotics. As a participant, you will gain hands-on experience in areas like robot control, machine learning, perception, and system design. You will be mentored by faculty and graduate researchers, participate in seminars and workshops, and present your research findings, while also receiving a stipend and support for housing and travel, making it a structured opportunity to build strong research skills and explore advanced study and careers in robotics.

15. Oregon Sea Grant: Summer Scholars Program  

Location: Various organizations across Oregon
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 15 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Undergraduate students only; Must be U.S. citizens and sometimes permanent residents (common for federally supported Sea Grant programs)

The Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholars Program at Oregon State University is a fully funded 10-week summer fellowship where you will work with host organizations such as research labs, government agencies, tribal groups, and environmental nonprofits on real-world coastal and marine science projects. You will gain hands-on experience in STEM fields like marine biology, oceanography, environmental science, data analysis, and field research, while also engaging with policy and community-based work related to coastal and resource management. Throughout the program, you will be mentored by professionals, contribute directly to ongoing research or applied projects, and receive a stipend.

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