Stanford STaRS Internship Program

Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program

The Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program is an 8-week, fully funded research experience designed to introduce students to careers in medicine, biomedical science, and academic research.

Founded on the belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for advancing human health, STaRS provides students with hands-on exposure to scientific inquiry and clinical research within the field of reconstructive surgery.

Each summer, interns work side-by-side with experienced clinician–scientist mentors and research teams at Stanford. Through mentorship, laboratory experience, and collaborative learning, participants gain insight into the challenges, creativity, and impact of careers in healthcare and scientific discovery.

STaRS is a fully funded program, meaning there is no cost to participate.

The program is open to high school and community college students of all backgrounds. We especially encourage students who have had limited access to research opportunities or who are exploring laboratory science for the first time to apply. Prior laboratory experience is not required.

We seek applicants who demonstrate curiosity, persistence, and enthusiasm for learning. Many of our interns enter the program with little or no research experience, but leave with a deeper understanding of scientific discovery and the many paths available in medicine and biomedical science.