Coulter Fellowship Program
Coulter Fellowship Program
This program aims to provide supplemental funding for industry-facing internships for trainees at the University of Virginia that extends the translational research network for the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The Program facilitates career development, increases corporate collaborations, and provides industry placement by supporting students who are exploring internships.
The program is consistent with the Coulter mission of Science Serving Humanity by nurturing the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and engineers in applied technical skills.
The Coulter Fellowship Program provides two funding track options for students seeking industry internships.
Established Track: The Established Track is designed to provide financial support for students who have already secured an industry internship. Successful applicants may receive funding of up to $2,500 to supplement their stipend during the internship. If you have already identified an internship and are interested in this track, please submit your proposal to UVACOULTER@VIRGINIA.EDU by May 5th, 2024.
Matched Track: For those seeking assistance in securing a summer internship, our Matched Track is here to help. This track involves connecting students with local biotech companies for potential internships. While this track does not guarantee placement, it opens doors for students to explore exciting opportunities. If you wish to participate in the Matched Track, please send a statement of interest/cover letter, with your resume, to UVACOULTER@VIRGINIA.EDU by February 23, 2024.
Once resumes are received, we will provide a list of partnered company internships with additional guidance on the process. Please note that participation in the Matched Track does not guarantee company placement.
Become a Fellow
Student candidates will submit a one-page proposal which will include a summary of the internship and a budget justification for funds. A support letter from the corporate or technical sponsor is highly recommended. Students will do their internship with an existing and established company/industry partner that is currently doing work related to Biomedical Engineering. The proposed internship shall have the support of the company and a mentor within the company should already be identified. Upon completion of the internship, students will submit a one-page report.
BME Undergraduates with aligned experience of coursework taken. Graduate students in the BME Ph.D., ME, or MS programs are eligible to apply.
Students who are participating in an internship through the Matched Fellows Track are ineligible to receive additional Coulter Fellows funding.
Students who have received Coulter Fellows funding for a prior internship are ineligible to receive additional fellowship funding.
Student candidates will submit a one-page proposal which will include a summary of the internship and a budget justification for funds. Be sure to include the salary amount that you will be receiving from the company. A support letter from the corporate or technical sponsor is highly recommended. This can be your offer letter verifying the position. Students will do their internship with an existing and established company/industry partner that is currently doing work related to Biomedical Engineering. The proposed internship shall have the support of the company and a mentor within the company should already be identified. Upon completion of the internship, students will submit a one-page report.
Decisions shall be made by a program committee that is comprised of Shannon Barker, BME Undergraduate Program Director, Don Griffin, BME Graduate Program Director, and an Industry Alumni Co-Sponsor, Kris Rawls. Once selection decisions have been finalized, the awardee will receive a confirmation letter. A one-time stipend will then be distributed to the awarded fellow.
Matched Track: Resume and cover letter are due by February 26, 2024. Internship placement decisions are to be made on or before April 1st, 2024.
Established Track: Applications for summer internship funding are due by May 5th, 2024. Funding decisions will be made by June 1st, 2024. After the deadline, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Please contact UVACOULTER@VIRGINIA.EDU if you are interested in applying but will not be able to complete the application before the deadline.
How will I receive the Fellowship funding?
Awardees will receive a one-time stipend payment.
Can I apply for funding more than once?
Students are not eligible to apply for the fellowship multiple times throughout their studies at UVA.
What can I use the stipend for?
The funds are intended to help supplement student stipends, house subsidies, and anything related to supporting you during an internship.
Are there limitations on what I can use the stipend for?
The stipend cannot be used for tuition or health subsidy.