About Internships

The WISP Research Internship Program matches undergraduates with faculty mentors in paid, part-time research internships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Internships last two terms (winter and spring), and interns present their work at the Karen E. Wetterhahn Science Symposium in May. 

• First year and transfer students: eligible for internships in any STEM discipline, including Psychological & Brain Sciences
• Sophomores: eligible for internships in chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics/astronomy. Sophomores may have the option of engaging in the internship for one term rather than two if they will not be on campus in either winter or spring.

The program provides students with early hands-on research experience and mentoring from a research scientist or faculty member. These early experiences enhance scientific education and provide students with the following:

• Research skills
• A better understanding of scientific inquiry and culture
• Increased awareness of science and/or engineering career possibilities

NOTE: Students cannot participate in another Dartmouth research program in the same year as a WISP internship (e.g. URAD, FYREE).

In many campus research programs, students are responsible for finding their own faculty mentors for research. The WISP research internship program is different in that students are matched with faculty mentors by the WISP administrative team. Matching is based on multiple factors, with student and faculty match preferences being only one of those factors.

• Faculty may not "pre-select" students nor does WISP fund students who find their own research opportunities outside of the matching process.

The WISP research internship program is not the best fit for everyone. Students who want to pursue research in other ways or in later terms can check out the multitude of other ways to get involved in research at Dartmouth.

These are paid internships. WISP interns work 6-10 hours per week and are paid $16.25/hour for up to 100 hours per term. This does count towards work-study requirements. Interns must complete the I-9 employment verification process prior to beginning their WISP internship.