Paid Summer Research Program: Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience (CUBE)

Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

Program Description: The Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience (CUBE) is an 8-week training program designed to give motivated undergraduate students in STEM the opportunity to engage in a full-time collaborative data science experience, along with related professional development activities. The CUBE program is built on the following four pillars: 1) training in introductory biostatistics and R programming; 2) professional development (PD); 3) instruction in the principles of transparent, reproducible science; and 4) a collaborative research project addressing real-world research questions.

The goal is to offer students an experience working with a real-world dataset under the mentorship of experienced collaborative data scientists, as well as clinical experts, to help them determine if they want to pursue a career in collaborative applied data science, while they develop skills for the workforce or graduate school.

The program includes weekly research and professional development seminars, periodic social events, and a final symposium during which students will present their research. Students will be hosted at Virginia Tech during Summer 2026, and will be compensated $4,800 for their participation in the program. Housing and social outings will also be provided. Students will be responsible for food/meals and roundtrip travel to and from Virginia Tech. 

Program Eligibility and Expectations

• We encourage applications from undergraduate students that are considering a career in data science, or a similar field.
• Preference will be given to undergraduate students who are rising seniors enrolled in a STEM program who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and have completed a course in introductory statistics or biostatistics. Well-prepared undergraduate students who are rising juniors will also be strongly considered. Current seniors graduating prior to the start of the program are not eligible to apply.
• CUBE interns must commit at least 40 hours/week to the training program. Therefore, interns are not permitted to enroll in summer classes, participate in MCAT prep courses, engage in activities for pay, or engage in other activities that may interfere with program activities.
• CUBE interns commit to participating in the full 8-week program. Students may not take vacation during this training period.
• Students who are not US citizens or permanent residents are ineligible to apply given NIH funding regulations.

Note: Due to changes in federal funding priorities, we were unable to host the CUBE 2025 program. While we were deeply disappointed, our commitment to advancing excellence in biostatistics and health data science has not wavered. Over the past year, we have been actively pursuing alternative funding opportunities to continue supporting emerging scholars through the CUBE program, and we are hopeful that funding will be renewed for Summer 2026.

Applications are now open in preparation and we will proceed with recruitment as usual. Please note that while we expect to learn the outcome of our funding request by February 2026, participation in the program will depend on funding approval. We appreciate your understanding and continued enthusiasm for the CUBE program as we plan for what we hope will be another enriching summer of learning and collaboration.