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Advanced Platform Technology Center

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Wen H. Ko Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Introduction

Located at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, the Advanced Platform Technology (APT) Center is a national VA research Center within the Rehabilitation Research, Development, and Translation Portfolio created to capture innovations at the forefront of microelectronics and materials science and apply them to the clinical needs of disabled veterans. Along these lines, the core research activities of the center are concentrated in the following four major areas:

A distinctive feature of the APT Center is a focus on developing key enabling technologies for clinically relevant applications. This approach leverages the technical expertise and world-class reputation of its collaborative partner, Case Western Reserve University, and makes the APT Center unique among the VA’s Research Centers.

About the Program

The Advanced Platform Technology Summer Internship Program (APT-SIP) is for undergraduate STEM and PreHealth (Medical, Nursing, Physical Therapy) students who have completed at least their sophomore year of college. The 10-week program, under the guidance of Drs. Allison Hess-Dunning and Jeff Capadona (APT-SIP Advisors), will take place from May 26, 2026 to July 31, 2026*. This highly selective internship will allow undergraduate STEM students to participate in cutting-edge biomedical research projects under the mentorship of world-class investigators at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and other academic affiliates.

As part of the selection process, applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preference for the investigator they will work with during the internship. Once selected, the investigator and intern will create a specific mini project. This mini project will constitute the core experience for the internship. In addition, students will receive mentoring, participate in group meetings, attend planned lectures and laboratory visits, and will present their research findings at the end of summer research symposium.

*Dates subject to change

Eligibility

  • Applicants must have completed at least two years (4 semesters or 6 quarters) of undergraduate study in a STEM degree program by the start of the 2026 summer with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Applicants must plan to return to an undergraduate degree program or start a graduate program in fall 2026.
  • Exceptional applicants who are interested, but may not meet all of the above criteria, should contact sip@aptcenter.org prior to submission.

How to Apply

Applicant will submit the following materials via the online application:

  • A completed APT Center SIP Application
  • A resume that contains information about your education, recent work/research experience, activities, awards and publications
  • An unofficial transcript detailing your university courses and grades
  • Two letters of recommendation required. Letters should come from individuals who are familiar with your academic or work/research performance, such as faculty or supervisor, and who can comment on your suitability for this program
    • If you have already discussed working with an APT Center Investigator, a letter of support from that Investigator should be included and can count as one of the recommendations.
  • Applicants may be contacted for a virtual interview.

The intern selection process will be performed by a panel of APT Center Investigators using a scoring system based on the information submitted in the application.

APT-SIP Deadlines

  • Deadline for submitting the application and reference letters is January 31, 2026*.
  • Notification of selected interns will be on or about February 27, 2026*.
  • Interns must accept or decline by March 13, 2026*.

*Dates subject to change

Compensation

All interns will receive an hourly wage for the duration of their ten-week, 40-hr/week internship. Please note that the APT Center will not be able to provide housing and travel accommodations this year. Accepted interns can apply for Summer Housing through Case Western Reserve University, however, the APT Center will not be responsible for this process.

Questions?

Email: sip@aptcenter.org

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