Summer Internship Program

The Pediatric Research Internship and Discovery at Emory PRIDE) program, supported by the Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR) and the Coordinated Pediatric Pathway Planning Office (C3PO), provides research experience for Emory University undergraduates to foster their understanding of pediatric research and academia. Under direct mentorship from Emory faculty, this competitive ten-week program will expose and prepare interns to succeed in pediatric research. 

Upon acceptance, program interns will be matched with a mentor that aligns closely with the intern’s preferred area of interest. The program includes an onboarding seminar week, two additional educational seminars, development in research methods and scientific communication, and continuous mentorship throughout the summer. Candidate applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.  All students will be notified of the decision on April 3, 2026. Applicants will be evaluated through a review of their statement of purpose, letter(s) of recommendation, and academic transcripts.

Disclaimer: A limited number of students will be chosen for the summer 2026 program. This is an unpaid research internship opportunity, and no housing or transportation will be provided. The final placement of interns will be dependent on mentor availability.

Program Highlights

Mentorship from a Department of Pediatrics Emory faculty member

Individualized research project

24-40 hours per week of in-person research experience

Opportunity to write a practice abstract with potential to become a submittable abstract

Certificate of participation 

Experience and Application (XA) General Education Requirement satisfaction

Eligibility

Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program as an undergraduate student at Emory University

Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors

Stated interest in pediatrics

Academic Enrollment

Interns will be required to enroll in the URP 499R course. A zero-credit hour option is available to ensure the intern will not be charged tuition or fees for enrollment; however, a 1-credit option is also available, if preferred. Students will not be able to register for any other courses during the summer given schedule conflicts that would arise with PRIDE program requirements. 

This course satisfies the Experience and Application (XA) General Education Requirement (GER)

Deadlines

Applications due: March 20, 2026

Acceptance notifications: April 3, 2026

Program Dates: June 1, 2026 –August 7, 2026

Application Requirements: 

Name, Emory email, and phone number 

Academic background and career goals

Applicants should select career paths and graduate degree(s) of most interest to them

Most recent college transcript(s) from all institutions attended as an undergraduate (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable)

Resume

Statement of purpose

In 500 words or less describe your short-term and long-term goals related to pursuing a career in child health. Explain how the PRIDE opportunity aligns with your goals.

Research area of interest

Applicants should select the pediatric topics of most interest to them and if they have identified a potential mentor.

Letter of recommendation

At least one recommendation is required, but two are highly recommended

How to Apply

Confirm you are available during the program dates

Review the Eligibility criteria and application requirements above

Apply via the Application portal

PLEASE NOTE:

Research projects will be conducted at either Emory University or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. If the research project is at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta location, accepted interns will have specific onboarding requirements that must be completed prior to the internship start date. The PRIDE program manager will assist in coordinating test/procedures, and CCTR will cover the cost. 

Research projects conducted at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta will require the following: 

-Background Check (All interns conducting research at or using data from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) 

-Employee Health (Onsite interns only) 

Mandatory Vaccinations Proof 

□ Influenza (Flu)

□ Hepatitis B: Series AND Quantitative Serological Evidence of Immunity   

□ Measles, Mumps & Rubella: Series OR Quantitative Serological Evidence of Immunity   

□ Tetanus, Diphtheria & Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) 

□ Varicella: Series OR Quantitative Serological Evidence of Immunity 

-Drug & Cotinine Screening Test: Negative 10-panel Drug and Cotinine Test (completed no more than 30 days prior internship start date to document submission) 

-Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Quantitative Negative Blood Test OR Chest X-Ray if Positive/History of TB (blood test/x-ray must be completed within the past 3 months) 

-N95 Mask Fit Test: Can be completed at Children’s Employee Health once all other requirements are met