Puerto Rico Summer Research Exchange Program
WV-INBRE is pleased to announce its 2026 Puerto Rico Summer Research Exchange Program. This program offers nine weeks of intensive biomedical research under expert mentorship with a focus on Natural Products research. Two students from WV-INBRE lead and primarily undergraduate institutions will be selected to participate. Participants will receive formal research training while expanding their learning experience through workshops, seminars on current topics, mentoring and use of state-of-the-art facilities.
Program Dates
June - July 2026
Stipend
$7,000
Participants
2
Application Deadline
March 13, 2026
2025 Participants
Congratulations to our 2025 WV students who were selected to participate in the Puerto Rico Research Exchange Program:
Shayna Tysor
Shepherd University • Biology Major
Conducted research in Dr. Mary-Louise Risher's laboratory at Marshall University
Rylyn Bielinski
West Liberty University • Biology/Pre-Medicine Major
Conducts research in Dr. Holly Vopal's laboratory at West Liberty University
Eligibility
Participation is open to all students who are enrolled full-time at the institutions participating in the WV-INBRE network who will have not graduated by August 2026. Students at WVU and Marshall University are eligible to participate, however, students attending a primarily undergraduate institution will receive preference.
Program Benefits
A stipend of $7,000 will be provided to each intern for the 9-week period. Nearby housing will be provided as will travel expenses to and from Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors
Students will have the opportunity to conduct research under the mentorship of faculty from both Marshall University and Puerto Rico institutions. Research focuses include Natural Products and Data Science/Informatics.
Dr. Piyali Dasgupta
Marshall University
Research in natural products and their biomedical applications
Dr. Chatrawee Duangjan
Marshall University
Expertise in natural products research and drug discovery
Dr. Matthew Williams
WVSOM (West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine)
Natural products research with biomedical applications
Dr. Mohit Verma
Marshall University
Data science and informatics approaches in biomedical research
Dr. Mohammad Vahed
Marshall University
Data science and informatics in biomedical research
Interns will be required to prepare an abstract and present their findings at either the Puerto Rico INBRE summer symposium or the 2026 WV-INBRE Summer Research Symposium in Morgantown, WV on July 28, 2026.
Ready to Apply?
Send all application materials to:
Please include: Cover letter, CV, Transcripts, and 2 Letters of Recommendation
Application Checklist
Evaluation Criteria
Important Requirements
Traveler's Health Insurance
Required for all participants before departure to Puerto Rico
Age Requirement
Parental consent required for participants under 21 years old
Questions?
Dr. Joseph Horzempa
Program Coordinator
West Liberty University