Undergraduate Research

International Student Research Internship Program

The International Student Research Internship Program is designed for students currently enrolled at an international university to participate in engineering research at Washington University in St. Louis during the summer months (May through August).

Participating faculty

Positions in the program for summer 2026 are limited only to a small number of participating faculty in McKelvey School of Engineering. Applications are available and will be accepted only for a position with the faculty and labs indicated below.

Participating faculty list

Prof. Hong Chen - Professor Chen’s research focuses on medical ultrasound and developing ultrasound-based image-guided drug delivery platforms. Interns will work on medical ultrasound devices.
Prof. Song Hu - In Professor Hu’s lab, the intern will work closely with a dynamic team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers on the development of next-generation multimodal light microscopy or multifunctional fiber devices for in vivo imaging and sensing. Applicants must have a strong background in optical design, computational optics, fiber optics, 3D photolithography (e.g., laser direct writing or two-photon polymerization), or materials/chemistry for surface functionalization.
Prof. Abhinav Jha - In Professor Jha’s lab, an intern can expect to aid in developing computational imaging solutions using artificial-intelligence, imaging physics and signal-processing-based approaches. Background in signal processing, basics of machine learning, linear algebra, and programming is expected. Experience in simulating imaging systems and knowledge of imaging physics is a plus.
Prof. Feng Jiao - Interns in Professor Jiao's lab will be involved in experimental work on electrochemical systems. Applicants should have a strong background in chemical engineering with some prior research experience.
Prof. Jr-Shin Li
Prof. Rohit Pappu - Professor Pappu’s lab works on the form, functions, and design of intrinsically disordered proteins and on the organization of cellular matter and biochemical functions via biomolecular condensates. Research interns who join the lab will have a choice of projects that span the spectrum of topics ranging from computational biophysics and machine learning to rheology, biomaterials design or in vitro / cellular biochemistry depending on the interests and skills set of the trainee.
Prof. Francisco Lagunas Vargas - Professor Lagunas Vargas focuses on advancing the use of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to probe the structure and properties of functional materials at the atomic scale. A research internship in this group would center on analysis of STEM data, with a strong emphasis on developing and applying Python-based workflows to automate data processing and visualization. This work may involve handling large (4D-STEM) datasets, performing diffraction pattern analysis, reconstructing spatial maps of structural or electronic information, and designing scripts to streamline repetitive or computationally intensive tasks. Familiarity with Python programming (including libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, or matplotlib) will be especially valuable, as well as an interest in combining coding skills with real-world experimental data. The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, curious about materials research, and eager to learn both the scientific context of the data and the technical skills needed for advanced analysis. Interested applicants should have a solid foundation in physics, materials science, or a related engineering field, and be comfortable working with computational tools.
Prof. Yevgeniy Vorobeychik - Research in Professor Vorobeychik’s lab involves assessing and developing technologies for trustworthy AI systems, particularly when these involve substantive autonomous and semi-autonomous behavior. In particular, research interns will participate in projects involving the design of provably safe control policies, assessment of safety and security of AI systems, and economic and game-theoretic methods for designing aligned AI systems.
Prof. Joshua Yuan - Interns in Professor Yuan’s lab will work on projects related to biopolymer materials, electrocatalysis and synthetic biology. For biopolymer materials, interns will work on environmental and health applications. For electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, interns will work on CO2 reduction to produce various C2 and C3 products. For synthetic biology, interns will work on microorganism design to empower CO2 reduction product usage and packaging material manufacturing. Applicants should have background in chemical engineering, synthetic biology, material science, and polymer science.
Prof. Fuzhong Zhang - Professor Zhang’s lab will provide projects for interns to develop a synthetic biology tool that makes biomanufacturing more efficient and robust. Applicants should have research interests in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and protein-based materials.
Prof. Ning Zhang
Prof. Chao Zhou - Trainees will work with senior graduate students or postdocs in Professor Zhou’s lab to develop novel optical imaging devices for biomedical applications. Applicants should have a strong background in solid physics, optics, electrical engineering and/or programing skills.

Benefits

Students who participate in the International Student Research Internship Program will have the opportunity to:

Conduct independent research on cutting-edge projects
Work closely with faculty, postdocs and graduate students
Participate in weekly lectures and learning lunches on a variety of research and professional topics
Attend workshops on the graduate school application process
Enjoy social gatherings and fun field trips in and around St. Louis
Experience U.S. academic, professional and social culture

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from students meeting the following criteria:

Enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program at an international university in their penultimate year of undergraduate studies
Possess adequate training and background in the subject area of the internship
Possess strong motivation and interest in research
Must be a non-US citizen or non-permanent resident of the United States

Application Process

Applications must be received by November 13, 2025.

Virtual interviews may be conducted with applicants to assess English communication skills and academic preparation for the research project. Research Interns will be selected for their intellectual promise, curiosity and motivation.

Apply here

Application Materials Required

Resume (2-page maximum)
Personal statement (include general interests, objectives for the summer, background and preparation: one-page maximum)
Unofficial transcript
One to two letters of reference. One reference is required and must be received from a professor at student’s current institution. Students may upload an optional second reference.
English language proficiency score - Please refer to the following webpage regarding accepted language tests, minimum score requirements, and exemptions for J-1 visitors: https://oiss.washu.edu/english-proficiency-requirements/

Application Deadline

Applicants must submit all materials by November 13, 2025.

Financial support from McKelvey School of Engineering

Internships will be funded as follows (based on a 10-week internship)

Stipend of $3,000 USD
Free on-campus housing (or off-campus housing will be provided if internship dates do not align with the on-campus housing dates)
Public transportation passes for local St. Louis travel (bus and metrolink)

Student is responsible for purchasing international health insurance (mandatory), international round trip airfare to St. Louis, visa fees, food and incidentals while in St. Louis.

Visa Assistance

Once selected for an internship, McKelvey School of Engineering and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will assist the student to obtain the DS2019 and J-1 Intern Visa. Interns will be responsible for the visa fees. Please visit the OISS website for J1 visitors for more information.