Virginia Tech® home

Undergraduate Biotechnology Research Fellowship Program

Virginia Tech's Office of Undergraduate Research is excited to announce the introduction of a brand new biotechnology research program funded by generous donations to the Fralin Life Sciences Institute (FLSI). Each summer, up to 12 students will be selected to participate in this full-time undergraduate research program, which includes a fellowship of $5,000. Students will be matched with VT faculty or local companies to conduct Biotechnology-related research throughout the summer, from May 26 and July 31, 2026, inclusive.

Mentors: Faculty/Biotech Companies

Faculty and Blacksburg-based Biotechnology companies are invited to submit research projects for students to engage in during Summer 2026.

Launch application: August 15, 2025
Deadline to submit projects: November 17, 2025

Faculty/company Submission Form

Mentor Expectations

  • Plan/design a project that can realistically be completed in the 10-week summer research period.
  • Provide guidance and oversight to research intern(s) to help them accomplish project goals.
  • Provide appropriate space and access to necessary research materials related to the project.
  • Allow intern(s) time away from research activities to participate in OUR research programming that includes orientation on May 27, 2026, weekly Wednesday professional development seminars (4:00-5:00 p.m.), and symposium on July 30, 2026.
  • Guide, review, and approve abstract submission and poster for presentation at the Summer Research Symposium.

Student Researchers

Motivated engineering and science students interested in a career in biotechnology research are invited to apply. Applications open the week of Thanksgiving break.

Student Eligibility

  • Full-time Virginia Tech student.
  • Enrolled in an engineering or science major.
  • Good academic standing: CGPA>2.5.
  • Interest in pursuing a career in Biotechnology research.

Program Expectations

  • Engage in research activities with assigned mentor/company on a full-time basis (up to 40 hours/week) for the duration of the 10-week summer research period between May 26, 2026 and July 31, 2026, inclusive.
  • Attend the VT summer research day-long orientation on May 27, 2026, professional development seminars every Wednesday from 4:00-5:00 p.m., and present a research poster at the Summer Research Symposium on July 30, 2026.
  • Receive a fellowship of $5,000 disbursed throughout the summer. NOTE: this program does not include separate funding for housing.

Application process

  1. Review the list of available projects starting on November 24, 2025
  2. Review and rank top 3 projects based on student interest and career goals.
  3. Complete the application form, which will require the following:
    • Digital copy of unofficial transcript.
    • Ranking of top 3 project choices, with explanation of why they are of interest to the student.
    • Personal statements on motivation for engaging in this kind of research program, how this program will support future goals, skills the student will bring to the project, and what the student hopes to gain from participating in the program.

Student Application Form

Note: If you already have a Biotechnology research project and mentor secured and therefore will not need to be matched with one of our advertised projects, please apply using this form.

Application Deadline: March 2, 2026 at noon

Award/Matching

Selected students will be matched to projects based on their indicated preferences. Awards will be announced by April 1.

If you have any questions, please email Truitt Elliott, Director for VT's Office of Undergraduate Research.