Monell Science Apprenticeship Program 2025

Monell Science Apprenticeship Program

MSAP pairs participants up with full-time researchers to offer the extraordinary opportunity to take part in hands-on research training, learn to communicate in a professional scientific environment, and — of course — to increase appreciation of the chemical senses — all while earning a weekly salary.

This one-of-a-kind opportunity provided by the Monell Center is essentially an internship. The program, which is open to both high school and college students, pairs participants with full-time researchers to provide an extraordinary opportunity to participate in hands-on research training, learn to communicate in a professional scientific environment, and, of course, increase appreciation of the chemical senses — all while earning a weekly salary. Past interns have worked on projects such as cloning olfactory receptors, examining newborn food preferences, and monitoring air quality, to mention a few.

The goal of the Monell Research Apprenticeship Program is to foster an interest in biomedical science or medicine as a vocation, particularly among populations that are underrepresented in science, such as girls, ethnic or racial minorities, and the economically poor. Best College Reviews routinely ranks our program among the 50 Best Pre-College Summer Science Programs for High School Students.

With your help, our current summer program includes the following activities:

A minimum of seven weeks of paid full-time organized research with a Monell scientist.
A public presentation of apprentices’ study to scientific colleagues, family members, and friends.
Lectures on scientific issues, public speaking and written communication, and ethical standards governing human and animal research are examples of enrichment activities.
Opportunities to learn about various medical and scientific occupations.