Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS) - Should You Apply?
If you’re considering pursuing a career in the STEM-M fields (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine), gaining some experience in biomedical research is an incredible way to begin or grow your interest. Especially before applying to college, having exposure to laboratory research and other forms of research through an internship can yield a great advantage.
In this blog, we’ll detail an opportunity to expand this interest through the Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science, a prestigious program for high school students hosted by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology and Neuroscience. We cover the program's key details, such as eligibility, location, cost, dates and deadlines, and ten compelling reasons why you should participate.
What is JHIBS?
The JHIBS internship program is a biomedical research internship with a specific focus on offering opportunities for high school students interested in a career in neurological and behavior-related sciences, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM-M fields. Accepted participants will devote a summer to researching new questions in the field under the guidance of esteemed Johns Hopkins faculty. Moreover, JHIBS participants complete projects, attend seminars and discussions, and receive frequent personal and professional development.
Students can participate in the program in one of two ways: virtually or in person. The in-person internship for students in the Baltimore area spans eight weeks and includes visits to the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus. The virtual program is five weeks shorter but still includes thorough laboratory training and research skills.
Who is eligible to apply?
JHIBS welcomes students who are high school juniors and seniors at the time of application submission. However, those living in Baltimore City and the surrounding metro area with a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, who are from underrepresented groups and have an academically strong background, are eligible for the in-person program.
The program describes demographics underrepresented in medicine as follows:
The following ethnic and racial groups: Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders.
Individuals with disabilities are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.
Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those who meet two or more of the criteria cited in the Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity
Where can you apply for JHIBS?
Applications for the program include a written application online, and instructions for completing the application can be found here.
Students are additionally required to submit essays, a CV/resume, an academic transcript, and two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can personally attest to how a student would benefit from participation in the internship program. The applications open on December 1 and are due by early March, though the exact date for 2025 is undetermined.
Is JHIBS considered prestigious?
Given the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's status as a respected and premier institution for biomedical research, clinical education, and policy, any opportunity to complete an internship there would be considered prestigious.
The JHIBS program offers research opportunities and mentorship at an advanced level, and it is considered a very robust one. The in-person program is exceptionally selective, and students who are not accepted into the in-person program are eligible for the virtual opportunity.
10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Applying to JHIBS
1. You will build a strong network with diverse peers.
One of the hallmark aspects of this program is that students meet regularly in group settings through weekly educational and professional development sessions. Given that JHIBS prioritizes students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM-M fields, this program is a wonderful opportunity for expanding connections with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures whom you can seek support from later in your career.
2. You will receive a stipend for your participation.
JHIBS is unique because its program does not require students to spend their money to participate in this opportunity. Virtual participants receive a $500 honorarium, and in-person participants get an hourly stipend. In-person interns also get support for transportation, but housing needs to be provided.
3. You will receive mentorship to guide the next phase of your academic journey.
As a member of the program, participating individuals get paired with a mentor from the Johns Hopkins University faculty. You will meet with this faculty member as a mentee once paired and collaborate with them on the research project that you get involved in. This is a rare opportunity to develop a personal relationship with a faculty member who could be a research mentor later in your career.
4. You will develop important skills in delivering research presentations.
Beyond the benefit of conducting research at an esteemed institution, JHIB concludes its program with the opportunity for interns to prepare a final oral or poster presentation.
Developing skills in communicating scientific research is a lifelong, important skill and will also grant participants the ability to document their research, which will aid them in standing out in college applications and professional ventures. To see a list of past intern research projects, click here.
5. You can explore career interests in neurological sciences.
JHIBS places a particular focus on the neurological sciences, given that people from underrepresented/disadvantaged backgrounds only make up 2-4% of the workforce in this field. Past intern research projects range in topics from bone structure to epilepsy to psychiatric care. The average high school curriculum does not offer dedicated courses in this field, so the JHIBS program is an excellent, non-committal way to see if this is an academic field you would like to pursue.
6. You will experience hands-on learning of basic science skills.
As participants in JHIBS, you will be expected to conduct hands-on science experiments and develop essential skills that scientists use in a laboratory setting. These are valuable skills that can serve to launch a career in research within STEM-M fields. Many incoming high school students lack laboratory skills, providing a competitive advantage when applying for college or other research programs.
7. You will gain substantial exposure to clinical settings and the medical field.
Johns Hopkins is a leading medical school in the United States and one of the world’s foremost academic research centers. It is a highly valued and respected institution. As part of the in-person internship, interns will participate in clinical rotations with Johns Hopkins neurologists. If you are interested in pursuing medicine, this is a great way to obtain some shadowing hours with physicians. Additionally, it is a great way to learn how biomedical research can be applied to clinical settings.
8. Use your experience to make your college application stand out.
Given John Hopkins’ esteemed reputation as a world-class scientific research institution, participation in this program will impress university admissions officers, especially those with a research focus. Participating in the JHIBS program—as either a virtual or in-person participant—is an excellent way to ensure your application stands out. It can also open pathways to advanced research positions while in college and even after!
9. The program is flexible, as it can be done virtually or in person.
One major advantage of the JHIBS program is that it can be completed both virtually or in person. This is a rare opportunity because many summer research experiences do not offer the chance to learn basic laboratory techniques and experiments in an online setting. The in-person internship happens over eight weeks, while the virtual one happens over five weeks. However, do keep in mind that for either option, these are full-time opportunities and extended absences or periods of time away from the program will not be accepted.
10. You will conduct research and engage in professional development at a prestigious institution.
The JHIBS program is competitive, and only a small cohort of students are selected each year, particularly the in-person portion. Completing the internship will yield a great advantage because you will be exposed to professional development and learning opportunities from top-notch researchers and staff. The work you engage in throughout the summer can be built upon the help of a faculty mentor, and it has the potential to propel you to a postgraduate career or a profession as a researcher or clinical scientist at the doctoral level.
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