PrIMER

The Program to Inspire and Mentor Undergraduates in Environmental Health Science Research (PrIMER) is a research program for full-time, undergraduate students who are in STEM fields. PrIMER is funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences and provides research trainees the opportunity to gain valuable research experience in environmental health sciences. Students from colleges and universities in the New York City area are eligible to participate. 

PrIMER trainees commit to a two-year program beginning June before their junior year through December of their senior year. Trainees are paired with a Columbia University faculty member who serves as a research and academic mentor throughout the program. Trainees conduct research in environmental health sciences, attend weekly professional development workshops, and interact closely with Columbia University faculty. Each fall, trainees present their summer research experience at the PrIMER Research Symposium that takes place during our departmental seminar and is attended by faculty, students, and research staff. Trainees work with their mentor to continue research during the academic year. 

Additional program details:   

• Compensation ($22/hour) throughout the program
• Summer session - 35 hours/week for 10 weeks  
• Up to 5 hours/week during the academic year 
• Professional GRE prep classes are provided to students during their senior year