Working alongside faculty, graduate students and undergraduate researchers, the interns gained firsthand experience conducting biomedical engineering research while exploring what it's like to pursue a career in science and engineering.

The students were selected from over 200 applicants from Tippecanoe County high schools following an application and interview process. Each student was matched with a research laboratory and mentor, spending approximately 35 hours each week contributing to ongoing projects. Guided by graduate students Samantha Mata Robles and Meera Doran, with support from Khalaf Khalid, the interns developed laboratory techniques, developed critical thinking skills and strengthened the collaborative nature of scientific discovery.

"I applied because this was a great way to be introduced to research," said Paulo Montes Paz. "I really enjoy the process and learning how to use all the tools in the lab. This experience will help as I pursue chemical and biomolecular engineering and possibly medical school." Montes Paz will attend Johns Hopkins University this fall.

For Robles, mentoring the students was one of the most rewarding parts of the summer.

"One day I hope to become a faculty member and lead my own research lab," Robles said. "Being able to mentor these students has been incredibly meaningful, and watching them grow from the first day to the final poster session has been amazing."

Research projects spanned behavioral neuroscience, diagnostic device development and other areas of biomedical engineering, allowing students to contribute to cutting-edge research while developing confidence in the laboratory.

The experience extended well beyond the bench. Throughout the summer, interns participated in professional development workshops, journal club discussions and introductory Python programming sessions while also visiting three Cook companies in West Lafayette -- Cook Research Incorporated, MED Institute and Cook Advanced Technologies to see how biomedical innovations transform from research and development to a final device used in patient care.

The internship concluded with a research poster session where students presented their work to faculty, mentors and family members. For many, it was their first scientific presentation—a milestone that highlighted not only what they had accomplished over eight weeks, but also the possibilities that lie ahead. Through this internship program, the students received 1 college credit from Purdue University.

For Varshinee Muthukumar, the internship provided an opportunity to build laboratory and technical skills while confirming her interest in biomedical engineering. She plans to study biomedical engineering as a pre-med student.

“She has had the best summer,” said her father, Muthukumar Balasubramanian.

The High School Summer Research Internship is made possible through the generous support of Cook Research Incorporated (www.cookresearchinc.com), whose continued investment in mentorship and education helps inspire the next generation of biomedical engineers. In 2027, we are looking to expand the internship program to include our biomedical engineering team in Indianapolis and make this available to local high schools in the area.