D&I in CHI Summer Internship Accepting Applications Through February 28th
D&I in CHI Summer Internship Accepting Applications Through February 28th 2026
The Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science in Health Disparities (CDIS) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (LCH/NU) are pleased to announce the 2026 Dissemination & Implementation Science Summer Program in Chicago (D&I in CHI).
Review the research areas and available mentors here. The list of available mentors may continue to be updated over the next several weeks.
This program provides undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students with equitable access to early research training in dissemination and implementation (D&I) science through structured learning, individualized mentorship, and hands-on experience with NIH-funded research. Throughout the summer, interns will participate in a blend of implementation science seminars, professional development workshops, and collaborative discussions focused on topics such as D&I foundations, research methods, health equity, career-building skills, and preparing for the scientific workforce. The program culminates with interns presenting their research accomplishments to faculty and peers.
The internship will run from June 1st, 2026, to August 7, 2026. This is a paid internship opportunity funded through the ongoing generosity of the Potocsnak Family and the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Responsibilities
The intern’s duties will be as follows:
- Contribute directly to one or more research projects. Responsibilities could include conducting participant recruitment and/or tracking, collecting data, entering/analyzing data collected, carrying out literature reviews, and supporting program facilitation and/or training;
- Provide updates on tasks as needed to the faculty/staff supervisor of the project(s);
- Join regular intern cohort meetings to discuss progress made, questions, and related topics;
- Participate in regular activities planned for the internship cohort. Activities could include attending webinars/presentations, reflecting on learnings in follow-up discussions, and engaging in professional development sessions.
Each intern is expected to give a final presentation at the end of the internship. The presentation can range in scope, from reflecting on key lessons learned to presenting findings from research conducted. Faculty/staff will support each intern to identify a topic for the presentation.
Qualifications
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated from an undergraduate program. Current graduate students including medical students, should NOT apply.
- A background in the field of public health, psychology, social work, sociology, or a related discipline;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write, edit and proofread written materials.
- Demonstrated ability to use computer technology (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Email, Internet, etc.).
- Self-motivated and well-organized, with a demonstrated ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision, as well as being able to work effectively under pressure.
- Possessing a positive, results-oriented approach to work.
Requirements
- Interns must commit 30-40 hours per week from June 1st, 2026, to August 7, 2026
- Interns must be based in Chicago, Illinois.
- Weekly meetings will take place on Zoom or in person at UIC or LCH.
- Submit application including personal statement and resume.
- Personal statement should be no longer than 1 page, single spaced and address the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the D&I in Chi program? What interests you about the field of dissemination and implementation science?
- If you are interested in working with one or more specific faculty members, explain these interests.
- What skills and experiences do you hope to gain?
- What relevant experience or research-related skills do you already have that will allow you to excel in this program?
- Why are you interested in the D&I in Chi program? What interests you about the field of dissemination and implementation science?
- Personal statement should be no longer than 1 page, single spaced and address the following questions:
This is a paid internship opportunity funded through the ongoing generosity of the Potocsnak Family and the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
If Interested, Complete the Application
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. The final deadline for applications to be submitted is February 28th 2026
Questions?
If you have questions about the program, please contact Kate Merrill at kgm@uic.edu or Faith Summersett Williams at fsummersettringgold@luriechildrens.org