15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Wisconsin
As a college student, you can gain valuable practical experience through internships that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Internships also allow you to enhance your resume with relevant skills, explore career paths, and build professional networks that can lead to future job opportunities. By participating in hands-on projects, you’ll develop problem-solving abilities and learn to collaborate in team settings, making you more competitive in the job market. If you’re pursuing a STEM field, internships provide exposure to advanced research and technologies, helping you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world solutions.
For those staying in and around Wisconsin, a local internship is a great way to cut the costs of travel & lodging elsewhere, while gaining valuable experience.
If you’re interested in STEM internships on offer in other states, find a list of ones in Arkansas here & a list of those in Arizona here.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
Engaging in a STEM internship during college boosts your employability by demonstrating practical expertise to potential employers. You’ll gain exposure to advanced tools and methodologies and will get to sharpen technical skills like data analysis and experimentation. STEM internships often involve mentorship from industry professionals, offering insights into career trajectories and research opportunities. They can potentially lead to publications or presentations, strengthening your graduate school applications. Additionally, these experiences can help you confirm your interest in specific STEM areas, guiding your academic and professional choices.
To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in Wisconsin, selected for their strong reputation, accessibility, and focus on skill development in STEM.
1. UW-Madison REU in Materials
Location: University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
Stipend: $6,000 + $600 food allowance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduates in STEM majors with a 3.0+ GPA; Must have finished their sophomore or junior year and intend to pursue a Ph.D.
In this 10-week program, you’ll work within a faculty research group on a project centered on materials chemistry, physics, or engineering. Your responsibilities will include performing laboratory experiments, documenting data, and collaborating with graduate student mentors. You’ll participate in weekly seminars on scientific communication and research ethics, and learn about current developments in materials science. The program includes visits to industrial sites in the Madison area to show you how materials research is applied in commercial manufacturing. At the conclusion of the summer, you’ll present your technical findings at a formal research symposium attended by faculty and peers.
2. Ladder University Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
This virtual program matches you with a startup or high-growth company where you’ll complete a technical project under the guidance of a manager. You’ll work on specific tasks such as data analysis, software feature development, or product testing, depending on the needs of your host company. The remote format allows you to gain experience in sectors like AI or healthcare technology from your location in Wisconsin while collaborating with international teams. You can also participate in a structured curriculum that focuses on professional communication and project management within a business setting. The program concludes with a presentation of your work to the company's leadership team to demonstrate the project's outcomes.
3. Medical College of Wisconsin: Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
Location: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Stipend: $4,500
Cohort Size: Approximately 35 participants
Dates: May 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: November 1 – February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university, intending to pursue scientific graduate studies; Previous lab experience preferred but not required
As a participant in this program, you’ll perform laboratory research in the biomedical sciences under the supervision of faculty investigators. You will be assigned to a specific lab where you’ll contribute to projects in areas such as cancer biology, genomics, or cardiovascular health. Your daily work will include conducting experiments, analyzing biological data, and attending weekly seminars on research methodology and professional scientific careers. The program is designed to provide you with a foundational understanding of how clinical and basic science research is conducted in an academic medical center. You’ll finish the summer by preparing and presenting a research poster that summarises your laboratory findings and conclusions.
4. UW-Madison: Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) Summer Internships
Location: University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
Stipend: $17 per hour minimum (up to 40 hours per week)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in U.S. institutions for the summer or fall term
This internship places you in a research environment where you’ll apply programming skills to atmospheric and space science projects with guidance from SSEC researchers. You’ll work individually with researchers to define a project that may involve designing or debugging data systems, developing data analysis and visualization tools, or processing atmospheric data collected from ground, aircraft, or satellite instruments. The program provides self-guided tutorials to help you learn the programming languages and tools needed for your project, often including Python or similar scientific computing tools. Throughout the summer, you’ll have access to research and programming experts and participate in weekly meetings with mentors to discuss progress, challenges, and solutions.
5. STEPS Research Experience for Undergraduates
Location: Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Stipend: $7,000
Cohort Size: 15 participants
Dates: May 19 – July 30
Application Deadline: January 31 (priority); Rolling after
Eligibility: Undergraduates with at least one semester remaining and an interest in sustainability and materials science
This REU program at Marquette University introduces you to the challenge of phosphorus sustainability through research connected to the STEPS Center. After an initial orientation on the Center’s work, convergence research, and the environmental impacts of phosphorus use, you’ll spend the following weeks completing an independent research project under the mentorship of faculty and STEPS scholars. Your project will be placed within one of the STEPS laboratories at participating academic institutions and will be matched to your research and career interests. Alongside individual work, you may collaborate with other participants on a cohort project that focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to complex environmental problems. The program concludes with presentations of both your individual research and the cohort project, along with professional development activities.
6. Medical College of Wisconsin: Advancing Student Potential for Inclusion with Research Experiences (ASPIRE)
Location: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Stipend: $6,000 + $1,400 conference-related stipend
Cohort Size: Up to 13 participants
Dates: May 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: November 1 – February 1
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors (18+) from U.S. institutions; Must be interested in cardiovascular science and medicine
This research program at the Medical College of Wisconsin offers a 10-week experience in cardiovascular science where you’ll conduct hands-on laboratory research using methods such as microscopy, computational modeling, or physiological assays. You will work closely with faculty mentors to develop technical skills and strengthen critical thinking while investigating questions related to heart and vascular health. The program also includes seminars on STEMM career pathways and discussions on healthcare disparities, along with networking opportunities designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research in an oral presentation, gaining experience communicating scientific findings.
7. Milwaukee School of Engineering – NSF REU Site: Advanced Manufacture of Novel Materials and Bio-Nano Applications
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI
Cost/Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – August 21
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors in STEM majors (engineering, CS, math, physics) with a 3.0+ GPA and an interest in Space Systems research
This REU at Milwaukee School of Engineering gives you a 10-week research experience focused on advanced manufacturing and bio-nano technologies. You’ll work on a mentored project that may involve developing self-healing materials, designing bio-nano devices, or exploring related applications through laboratory experiments and computational simulations. The program provides access to specialized tools such as 3D printers and supercomputers, and the chance to collaborate with faculty and research teams. Weekly seminars and group meetings help you track research progress and discuss methods and results, and professional development activities introduce you to STEM career pathways and research communication skills. The experience will conclude with a symposium where you’ll present your project.
8. Medical College of Wisconsin: Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE)
Location: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Stipend: $6,000
Cohort Size: Up to 4 participants
Dates: May 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors from U.S. institutions; Must be interested in cardiovascular science and medicine
This program places you in a 10-week cardiovascular research project focused on heart health. You will work under the guidance of a faculty mentor to learn laboratory techniques, conduct experiments, interpret data, and contribute to ongoing biomedical studies. Each week, you may attend seminars that introduce biomedical career paths and participate in skill-building sessions that strengthen your research and professional abilities. The full-time structure allows you to collaborate closely with research teams and experience day-to-day work in a biomedical lab. The program concludes by presenting your research contributions in a formal presentation.
9. UW-Madison REU in Chemistry and Chemical and Biological Engineering
Location: University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
Stipend: $6,000 + $600 food allowance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduates in STEM majors with a 3.0+ GPA who have finished their sophomore or junior year and intend to pursue a Ph.D.
This research program places you in a 10-week research experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, or biological engineering. You’ll work in faculty-led laboratories on projects across areas such as analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, bioscience and engineering, nanoscale science, catalysis, reactor modeling, and transport phenomena. Throughout the program, you may attend multiple seminars each week that cover STEM topics and participate in professional development activities focused on research skills and career preparation. You’ll also take part in group discussions and social events with students from other REU programs. The program concludes with a poster session where you’ll present your research results and conclusions.
10. Marshfield Clinic Research Institute: Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP)
Location: Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI
Stipend: Paid hourly
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Approximately 11 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Continuing undergraduates (typically juniors/seniors), graduates, dental, and medical students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
In this program, you will be paired with a research scientist to conduct a project in clinical research, epidemiology, or laboratory medicine. Your work will include developing a research proposal, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results within a healthcare setting. You’ll attend weekly scientific seminars and journal clubs where you will discuss current medical research papers with other interns and professional staff members. This experience allows you to understand the process of conducting research that directly informs patient care and public health initiatives. The internship concludes with a formal presentation of your findings at a research symposium held at the end of the summer.
11. UW-Madison REU in Chemical and Materials Engineering for Future Manufacturing
Location: University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
Stipend: $6,000 + $600 food allowance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduates in STEM majors with a 3.0+ GPA who have finished their sophomore or junior year and intend to pursue a Ph.D.
This REU places you in a 10-week research experience focused on developing new materials and manufacturing processes. You’ll work in faculty-led laboratories on projects related to catalysis, electrochemistry, semiconductors and microelectronics, circular manufacturing of plastics, novel pharmaceuticals, or metabolic engineering for biofuels. Research topics may include carbon nanotube arrays for microelectronics, electrochemical ammonia synthesis, machine learning models for electrochemical systems, catalytic biomass conversion, or polymer materials for advanced manufacturing. Throughout the program, you will also attend faculty-led STEM seminars and professional development sessions while also participating in social activities with students from other REU programs. The experience concludes with a poster session where you’ll present your research results and conclusions.
12. Medical College of Wisconsin: Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Internship for Learning and Discovery (BUILD)
Location: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 10 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Applications accepted the semester prior
Eligibility: Undergraduate engineering students with junior standing; 3.0 GPA in the Engineering program
This program offers you a full-time research opportunity in biomedical engineering at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where you’ll work in a laboratory setting to design and fabricate medical research devices. You may collaborate with preceptors and faculty investigators on projects that involve new technologies and advanced research methods. The experience helps you learn laboratory practices, engineering principles, and problem-solving skills through hands-on tasks. You’ll also receive mentorship to guide your development and exposure to potential career paths in the field. Opportunities may include extending to a three-semester Co-op based on performance. The internship prepares you for roles in medical school, industry research, or graduate studies in biomedical engineering or related areas.
13. Epic Systems: Software Development Internship
Location: Various locations across Verona, WI
Stipend: Paid (approx. $42 – $48/hr)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 11 weeks from late May through August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Typical application window for summer: April – March
Eligibility: Undergraduates with junior standing or higher pursuing a degree in CS, Software Engineering, or a related field with a strong GPA and U.S. work authorization
In this role, you’ll work as a software developer on teams that build and maintain electronic health record systems used by healthcare providers. You will be responsible for writing code, testing new features, and participating in code reviews alongside full-time engineering staff. Your project will contribute to the actual software infrastructure, allowing you to see how your technical work impacts large-scale patient data management. You will be paired with a mentor who provides technical guidance and feedback on your programming logic and software design choices throughout the summer. The internship takes place on a large corporate campus in Verona, where you may interact with other developers and technical project managers.
14. Rockwell Automation: EDGE Student Internship Program
Location: Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, WI
Stipend: Paid hourly
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 2 – August 21
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Students pursuing a degree in Engineering, CS, or IT
As an intern in the EDGE program, you will get to contribute to projects in industrial automation, control systems, and software development for manufacturing. Your tasks may include testing hardware components, writing software for industrial controllers, or analyzing data from smart manufacturing systems. You’ll gain exposure to how global companies use digital technology to automate production lines and improve operational data visibility. The program includes opportunities for you to participate in networking events and professional workshops with other interns and senior engineers. Successful completion of the summer program can lead to part-time work opportunities with the company during the following academic year.
15. DNR: State of Wisconsin Student Development Internship Program (SWSDIP)
Location: Various sites across Wisconsin
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly
Cohort Size: Approximately 113 positions statewide
Dates: May 18 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Undergraduates (18+) enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college; Must live in Wisconsin during the internship
This program places you in a paid summer internship with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, focusing on environmental science and related STEM areas. You’ll contribute to projects in areas such as air quality monitoring, climate analysis, water resource management, or wildlife studies. Your work may include field surveys, data collection, and support for environmental programs under the guidance of agency professionals. Through this experience, you’ll develop skills in environmental assessment, information technology applications for natural resources, and public safety practices. Mentors will help you understand real conservation challenges while working with teams across the agency. The program includes training that supports your professional development.
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