Loddenkemper Research Laboratory | Pediatric Epilepsy Research Internship

The Pediatric Epilepsy Research Internship provides undergraduate students the opportunity to supplement their coursework with first-hand experience in health care. This program offers students the unique opportunity to adapt their current strengths and acquire new skill sets that will prepare them for their future endeavors in health care.

Internship history

Our internship program in the Loddenkemper Lab was founded in 2016. We pride ourselves on having a diverse group of interns from all backgrounds and interests. Since its conception, we have had 48 interns contribute valuable work to our research from 29 colleges and universities in 12 states.

COVID-19 updates

Starting summer 2021, we will offer both in-person and remote internship options depending on the student's preference and ability to relocate if not in the Boston area. Should the intern choose an in-person internship experience, they will be required to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols set forth by the Boston Children's Hospital Emergency Management Team. You do not have to be in the Boston area to complete a remote internship, however please be mindful of any time difference.

Requirements

• Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree and enrolled at a four-year institution, preferably majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology, Health Policy Management or related fields.
• Must be in Junior or Senior year in college.
• Please note: this is an unpaid internship through the hospital. Students must receive academic credit from their institution, or outside funding. Please confirm with your school that one of those options would be available to you.
• If the student is seeking a remote internship, they must have consistent access to a computer and a stable internet connection.

What we are looking for in applicants

Boston Children’s Hospital expects that every employee, including interns, possess the following Core Standards:

1. Excellence: Believes that expectations are meant to be exceeded.
2. Courtesy and respect: Demonstrates friendliness, professionalism, empathy and compassion.
3. Communication: Communicates clearly, honestly, listens carefully, and responds thoroughly and promptly.
4. Enthusiasm: Is upbeat, positive, projects a professional image and always goes the extra mile.
5. Teamwork: Works with others effectively and efficiently.
6. Leadership: Takes initiative, creatively and collaboratively solves problems, and continuously searches for ways to make improvements that advance the hospital’s mission of patient care, research, education and community.

Intern duties

• aid in data entry by reviewing medical records
• assist in the optimization of databases by manipulating data entry fields
• provide administrative support to research coordinators
• help research coordinators enroll patients in a variety of research studies*

* — Only possible with in-person internships

Internship outcomes

• develop an understanding of the basics of seizures and epileptic encephalopathies
• learn how to utilize various databases such as REDCap, Excel, PowerChart, and Natus
• understand medical terminology by reviewing medical records
• acquire strong organizational skills
• obtain an understanding of how a research protocol progresses from beginning to end, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval

How to apply

The application for the Spring 2024 term is open on October 2nd, 2023. Please submit your application by Friday, October 27th, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST. You can apply here.

Please email any questions to our internship email at LoddenkemperInternship@childrens.harvard.edu. Please do not contact individual lab members with inquiries.