Research Internship Program
Creating pathways to dental, oral, and craniofacial research careers in Oregon
We establish clear paths to careers in dental, oral and craniofacial research. There are opportunities for high school, undergraduate and non-traditional learners and those from rural and underrepresented communities in Oregon. Interns will gain skills and knowledge to pursue research in dental and oral health.
Comprehensive internship program
Our internship program offers various paid research internship pathways, tailored to the individual's educational level. Each intern will be mentored by an experienced researcher. Interns will take part in activities to enhance their career for a future in the field of science. The summer internship program is a minimum of eight weeks, in which interns focus on research projects. At the end of the program, interns will showcase their their research findings. The annual event celebrates individual achievements and provides a platform for learning from other interns' presentations.
"I really enjoyed this experience and couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my summer! I had no research experience going into this internship and learned a lot within 6 weeks, in terms of working in a lab, how to use equipment and common procedures, as well as about the topic of research. Everyone in the lab (and OHSU in general) was very welcoming and was always open to questions and clarifications."
“My favorite part of the internship was analyzing my sequencing results because it was always a surprise and I was successful in isolating our bacteria of interest, which was very exciting.”
Internship eligibility
- Currently enrolled as a student in high school or an undergraduate degree program or recent graduate from an undergraduate program
- Have a desire to pursue a career in dentistry or oral health
- Must be 16 years old or older
The following labs have summer internship opportunities available:
Dental Public Health
The division of Dental Public Health, led by Drs. Foster-Page and Kohli, focuses on research, policies and providing oral health care in underserved populations, including at the Russell Street Clinic and clinics throughout Oregon. The focus is on innovative workforce models to improve dental access and care and highlight the importance of oral health to improve oral health outcomes at the local and policy level.
Principal investigators: Lyndie Foster-Page, Richie Kohli and Kirsten Lampi
Clinical orthodontics
Nickel-Iwasaki Lab
Our focus is on clinical and translational research that investigates the effects of biomechanics on the craniofacial system. Among our foci are measurements of jaw-loading mechanics and behaviors in order to understand conditions of growth, maintenance, degeneration and pain associated with the human temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
Principal investigators: Jeff Nickel and Laura Iwasaki
Biomaterials
Our biomaterials laboratories are leading the way to develop bacterial-resistant dental materials.
Pfiefer Lab
Polymeric materials provide a versatile platform for innovation in many different applications. The laboratory focuses on developing novel monomers and oligomeric additives, with a strong emphasis on photopolymerization.
Visit the Pfiefer Lab page.
Fugolin Lab
The Fugolin lab focus is to design and validate biomimetic synthetic systems that induce minute, orchestrated changes, leading to significant physicochemical and biological responses to external and internal stimuli.
Visit the Fugolin Lab page.
Ferracane Lab
Our focus has been on conducting clinical research in private dental practices through practitioners working with their own staff and patients. While we have studied a variety of dental conditions, we conducted the largest prospective study of cracked teeth, including nearly 3,000 patients in over 200 dental offices as a part of the NIH-funded National Dental Practice-based Research Network.
Principal investigator: Jack Ferracane
Oral microbiome
The focus of our oral microbiome laboratories is to determine the symbiotic and pathogenic interactions among the oral microbiome and how these interactions interface with biomaterials.
Wu Lab
We investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation for bacterial persistence and chronic infections. We are interested in understanding molecular cross-talks between microbes and aim to develop new anti-infective approaches that prevent and treat persistent infections.
Visit the Wu Lab page.
Kreth Lab
The Kreth Lab investigates fundamental processes of commensal bacterial interactions in the oral biofilm. We identify and characterize the molecular mechanisms that promote commensal species to better understand the healthy oral microbiome.
Visit the Kreth Lab page.
Merritt Lab
Our focus is on the molecular and cellular microbiology of the human oral microbiome to understand how mucosal health is regulated in the human body.
Visit the Merritt Lab page.
Baker Lab
The Baker Lab is using microbiology and bioinformatics to discover how the bacteria that live in our mouth affect human health and disease.
Visit the Baker Lab page.
Tissue engineering
Our tissue engineering and regenerative medicine laboratories are using 3D printing to form the matrix for stem cells to attach and grow not only teeth, but tissues like heart and cartilage.
Bertassoni Lab
Our focus is 3D bioprinting for the fabrication of complex tissue environments with functional vascular networks for regenerative applications. We are also interested in the development of functional hydrogels for the study of the interaction of biomaterials with matrix molecules on the nanoscale.
Visit the Bertassoni Lab page.
Hsu Lab
The Hsu Lab's research in dentistry focus lies at the intersection of stem cell molecular biology and translational research. The current subjects of studies in the lab include novel differentiation factors for bone repair, characterization of osteogenic perivascular stem cells, and stem cells in degenerative joint diseases.
Visit the Hsu Lab page.
High school students
Students will complete two presentations during the 6-week internship: a group oral presentation related to a selected article and an individual oral presentation summarizing what was learned. Time off is limited to a maximum of 3 pre-approved days. Compensation is $15 per hour or the current minimum wage.
Undergraduate students
Students will complete two presentations during the 8-week internship: a group oral presentation relates to a selected article and an individual oral presentation and a poster summarizes what was learned. Time off is limited to a maximum of 3 pre-approved days. Compensation is $15 per hour or the current minimum wage.
Pre-matriculating dental students
Students will complete two presentations during the 6-week internship: a group oral presentation related to a selected article and an individual oral presentation summarizing what was learned. Time off is limited and should be pre-approved. A stipend of $3,300 is offered for living expenses.
To apply:
The application window for the 2025 Summer Internship is closed.
To apply, please follow the correct link above and submit the following documents (in a single pdf file).
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- Personal statement: a brief description (1 page) of your most meaningful research experience and future career goals
- Unofficial college transcript
- At least 1 letter of recommendation addressing your research and science experience. Letters can be submitted via the applicant portal or sent separately by the recommender directly toSoDResearch@ohsu.edu.
Please contact the School of Dentistry, Office of Research atSoDResearch@ohsu.edu with questions or for assistance.
Housing accommodations in Portland
Out-of-town interns in need of housing are encouraged to explore intern housing through Portland State University. PSU offers summer accommodations in their student dorms, with an easy commute to OHSU.
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Community Oral Health Research Internship in Coos Bay!
Discover the connection between oral health and overall well-being. Explore an exciting internship opportunity in Coos Bay through OHSU, dedicated to engaging students in research on oral and systemic health. Discover the connection between oral health and overall well-being.
OHSU invites Southwestern Oregon Community College students to apply for a unique research internship focused on the connection between oral and systemic health. As part of the Campus for Rural Health, interns will participate in the Oral Health Education Research Project, aimed at improving oral health knowledge in children.
Interns will work with local mentors and OHSU faculty to develop skills in survey analysis, and present findings. Elevate your experience with this hands-on research internship, seamlessly blending scientific inquiry with community engagement. This hands-on experience offers valuable skills in community-based research and healthcare.
- Final presentation: Interns will present their findings in an oral presentation at the end of the internship
- Eligibility: Students must be enrolled at Southwestern Oregon Community College or a resident of Coos Bay
- Duration: 12 weeks – up to June 2025. This is a 12-to-15-week internship. Timeline is based on the start of a quarterly term
- Hours: 4 hours/week, flexible
Contact Richie Kohli, B.D.S., M.S. at kohli@ohsu.edu.