HEART-GeN Summer Scholars
The HEART-GeN Summer Scholar Program is a structured summer research experience in computational biology, genomic neuroscience, scientific communication, and professional development.
The program is a paid, full-time (10-week) research experience hosted by the HEART-GeN Lab on Northwestern’s medical campus in Chicago.
This is a defined enrichment program, not a general assistantship. Scholars complete a structured curriculum, contribute to active research, and leave with a written report, final presentation, and mentorship network.
Scholar Tracks
Underclassmen Scholar
Open to: Incoming first-year students and rising sophomores at any
accredited college or university
Stipend: $4,000 (fixed, for the 10-week program)
Eligibility
- Incoming first-year student with fall enrollment confirmed or rising sophomore
- Not currently eligible for or enrolled in any Northwestern-sponsored undergraduate summer research program
- No prior research experience required
Upperclassmen Scholar
Open to: Rising juniors and rising seniors
Stipend: $7,000 (fixed, for the 10-week program)
Eligibility
- Rising junior or rising senior at any accredited college or university
- At least one academic year of prior research experience in any field
- Not eligible for the Northwestern Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
Program Snapshot
- Duration: 10 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week)
- Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Format: In-person
Application Information
Application deadline: March 27, 2026
Applications: Apply here
Application Materials
All tracks
- Brief statement on why HEART-GeN and your interests (250 words max)
- 1-page resume
Underclassmen Scholar only
- Unofficial transcript or coursework list
- Describe a time you worked through a difficult problem; this does not need to be academic
Upperclassmen Scholar only
- Brief description of prior research (2-3 sentences): what lab, what you did, and what you learned
Students from groups historically underrepresented in genomics, neuroscience, and computational biology are especially encouraged to apply.
Cohort Archive
2026 Cohort
First HEART-GeN Summer Scholar Cohort
Program start: May 26, 2026\
Upperclassmen Scholars
- Nia Terry, Spelman College; Rising Senior; Psychology (BS)
- Ayesha Saleem Sheikh, Smith College; Rising Junior; Computer Science, and Statistics and Data Science
Underclassmen Scholars
- Juliana Walker, Brown University; Rising Sophomore; Neuroscience
- Joan D'Aguilar-Balfour, Spelman College; Rising Sophomore; Engineering (Biomedical Track)
Affiliate Scholars
- Sierra Mannion, Northwestern University; Rising Junior; Biological Anthropology, Global Health
Roster
| Scholar | Track | Institution | Standing | Program/Major |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nia Terry | Upperclassmen Scholar | Spelman College | Rising Senior | Psychology (BS) |
| Ayesha Saleem Sheikh | Upperclassmen Scholar | Smith College | Rising Junior | Computer Science, and Statistics and Data Science |
| Juliana Walker | Underclassmen Scholar | Brown University | Rising Sophomore | Neuroscience |
| Joan D’Aguilar-Balfour | Underclassmen Scholar | Spelman College | Rising Sophomore | Engineering (Biomedical Track) |
| Sierra Mannion | Affiliate Scholar | Northwestern University | Rising Junior | Biological Anthropology, Global Health |