RAIN was formed to support regional collaborations focused on common scientific themes.  Opportunities exist for undergraduate students from the region to participate in transformative research experiences in the RAIN states. Individual INBRE Programs within RAIN host expertise-specific student programs, such as lab fellowships, workshops, and summer camps.  RAIN student researchers are the best and brightest undergraduate students in the RAIN Region. The selection process is competitive and rigorous.  Support for travel and housing may be available through the home state INBRE. 

Please see the list of opportunities in RAIN states below, and pay close attention to application deadlines as they differ from state to state.

Alaska

Students will undergo a 10-week research experience in biomedical or behavioral research at UA campuses or in Alaska, with a virtual introduction covering research methods, ethics, and goal setting. With opportunities for further career development and participation in additional research programs.

Program Dates:

May 18 – July 24, 2026

Application Deadline: February 23, 2026

Hawaii

This is a paid 8-week summer research experience in which students will engage in research under a Hawaii INBRE investigator located at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). In addition to their research, students will also participate in weekly seminars, journal clubs, and present a poster at the end of their research experience.

Program Dates:

 May – July

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 summer are currently closed. Visit our website for more information and future application dates.

Idaho

The Idaho INBRE Program provides paid research awards for students keen on biomedical research, offering INBRE RAIN Undergraduate Research Student Exchange as a competitive monetary award for mentored research. Selected fellows work full-time for 10 weeks, attending professional development sessions, scientific seminars, and presenting their work at the Idaho INBRE Research Conference.

Program Dates:

May 20 – July 31, 2026

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2026 summer are currently closed. Visit our website for more information and future application dates.

Montana

A 10 weeks of full-time commitment to a project for students interested in significant undergraduate research in biomedical sciences should apply to this program, which requires working under an MSU faculty member’s guidance. Selected students are expected to present their findings at the conclusion of the program. 

Program Dates:

Mid May – Mid August

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Priority review for Montana INBRE Visiting Scholars applications begins on/about February 15 each year. Applications received after March 15 may not be considered.

Nevada

A 10-week fellowship for students interested in biomedical research!
$7,200 award guided research experience,
Attend training courses and seminar presentations, present your research at the end of the program

Program Dates:

June – August 

*The program dates may vary slightly depending on whether you are at UNLV or UNR, but generally run from early to mid June through early August.

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 summer are currently closed. Visit our website for more information and future application dates.

New Mexico

An 8-week, full-time paid summer research program is available for undergraduate students, offering tracks in Bootcamp, Internship, and Bioinformatics, providing networking opportunities and enhancing research skills. 

Program Dates:

June 3rd 2026 – July 31st 2026

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2026 summer are currently closed. Visit our website for more information and future application dates.

Wyoming

 Wyoming INBRE Program provides a 10-week fellowship for students interested in biomedical research, including guided research, training sessions, seminar presentations, and participation in the Annual WY INBRE Summer Symposium for professional presentation of their work.

Program Dates:

May – July

Applications Deadline: Applications for the 2025 summer are currently closed. Visit our website for more information and future application dates.

Student Summer Program Contacts

Alaska

Kristin O’Brien

Student Research Program Lead

University of Alaska Fairbanks

kmobrien@alaska.edu

Hawaii

Juan Mendoza

Program Administrator

University of Hawaii Manoa

juanmend@hawaii.edu

Idaho

Ashley Bogar

Evaluation Director and Statewide Co-Program Manager

University of Idaho

ashley@uidaho.edu 

Montana

Dr. Sarah Codd

Director of Montana INBRE Student Programs

Montana State University

scodd@montana.edu

Nevada

Christy Song

Program Coordinator, IDeA Grants

University of Nevada, Reno

cmsong@unr.edu

New Mexico

Chantel Ibarra

Program Specialist

New Mexico State University

aurora@nmsu.edu

Wyoming

Annie Bergman, Ph.D.

WY INBRE Student Program Director

University of Wyoming

abergman@uwyo.edu