Science Starts with Opportunity
At PNRI, education means giving students the chance to contribute to real science. Our primary educational initiative—the Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI)—offers college students a paid, hands-on research experience in a working biomedical lab.
Whether students are exploring science for the first time or preparing for graduate school, SURI provides expert mentorship, meaningful projects, and a supportive environment designed to build both skills and confidence.
What Students Gain
The SURI program is more than a summer internship. It’s a chance to step into the world of scientific research and contribute to questions that matter.
Interns benefit from:
- Direct lab experience on active research projects
- Mentorship from PNRI scientists and lab teams
- Weekly seminars on genetics, genomics, and career paths
- A final symposium to present their work to the PNRI community
- A strong sense of belonging in a collaborative, inclusive research environment
About the SURI Program
PNRI’s Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) is a nine-week, paid summer experience for undergraduates interested in biomedical research.
Interns receive a competitive hourly wage for approximately 30 hours of work each week, and are matched with one of PNRI’s research labs based on their interests and experience. Lab focus areas include:
- Genetic causes of rare disease
- Evolution of immune system genes
- Cancer biology in marine animals
- Microbial genetics and diagnostics
Additional program benefits include:
- Free public transportation (ORCA card)
- Weekly professional development sessions
- Optional summer housing via partner universities
We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds. As part of our commitment to broadening access to research opportunities, PNRI partners with Seattle-area community colleges—including Edmonds College, Bellevue College, and Shoreline Community College—to connect students with meaningful, hands-on research experiences. Community college students are strongly encouraged to apply and will be considered competitive candidates for the program.
Voices From the Lab
Each summer, SURI interns arrive with big questions and leave with new skills, insights, and connections. In their own words, here’s what the experience has meant to them.
Harshini Iyer – 2024 SURI Cohort
“Beyond the project I am working on, I have been pushed to think about new ways to create experiments and understand the problem at hand. The lab members are really supportive and there to help.”
Nene Kondo – 2024 SURI Cohort
“I’ve gained insight not just into genetics and research labs, but also about myself and potential career paths. There are many kinds of people at PNRI, with different backgrounds and expertise. Having the opportunity to talk to them broadened my understanding of a scope of careers I didn’t even know about before.”
Rennie Jane Dupar – 2024 SURI Cohort
“I’ve learned new lab techniques that will be useful in my future career. I’ve learned how to handle the frustrations and setbacks that come with doing basic science, as well as how to troubleshoot issues.”
Dorothy Lartey – 2023 SURI Cohort
“It was a great place to learn. I knew I could go to anyone in the lab with inquiries about my project. The lab helped strengthen my confidence in myself.”
Mollie McGibbon – 2023 SURI Cohort
“I got a comprehensive crash course in microbiology and genetic research, and I am much more comfortable working with cells and DNA, skills I intend to use for the rest of my career.”
Lidiia Gagarina – 2023 SURI Cohort
“I learned a lot about research, genomic analysis, and professional opportunities in the biotech field. It’s very exciting, every day you learn something new. I now have a better understanding about the work in the research lab, and I want to continue working in genetics.”
Support the SURI Program
PNRI’s internship program is funded in part through the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education and mentorship. Your support can:
🎓 Fund student stipends
Help ensure financial need doesn’t prevent participation.
🏠 Offset housing and travel costs
Allow students from across the country to join us in Seattle.
🔬 Expand internship opportunities
Enable PNRI to host more students in more labs.
🗣️ Support enrichment activities
Fund guest speakers, workshops, and the final symposium.
“This program is about more than research—it’s about building confidence, connections, and careers.”
Rick McLaughlin, PhD
PNRI Associate Investigator and Education Director
Get in Touch
Want to learn more about the SURI internship or how you can support the program?
📩 Contact Us: suri@pnri.org
🔗 Apply to SURI: https://pnri.org/about/suri/
🔗 Support SURI: https://pnri.org/donate-now/
🔗 Learn about the 2024 SURI Cohort
🔗 Learn about the 2023 SURI Cohort
🔗 Learn about the 2022 SURI Cohort