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Writer's pictureStephen Turban

Max Planck's Internship for High Schoolers - Is It Worth It?

Participating in STEM internships is a strategic move for high schoolers like yourself aiming for top colleges. An experience that allows you to learn more advanced STEM skills in a competitive, intense environment can be immensely valuable, both for your skill building as well as your resume enhancement. Enrolling for the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship, the subject of today’s blog post, can be a solid investment in your skills, exposure and future.


What is the MFPI Summer Research Internship?

The MFPI Summer Research Internship is a six-week internship program for high school juniors and seniors in Palm Beach or Martin County high schools. The program’s primary aim is to provide access to real-world scientific research, allowing you to work alongside renowned scientists in cutting-edge laboratories. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in projects that apply advanced techniques like genetic engineering, microbiology preparations, and microscopy, and even prepare a written scientific abstract and presentation.


The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience is part of the prestigious Max Planck Society in Germany, and the first and only institute of its kind in North America. Some of the top scientists in the biosciences fields work and research at theMPFI, and share their research with other institutions across the country. When participating in the Summer Research Internship here, you’ll be a part of this research apparatus.


How is the MFPI Summer Research Internship structured?

The Summer Research Internship takes place over six weeks from June 17 to July 26, 2024, and you’ll have to work a full-time schedule of Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. For all this effort, you will be compensated and make $12.5 per hour! The research projects under the internship are categorized into one of three tracks – Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, and Mechanical Engineering. Each track is designed to cater to different academic interests and skill sets, ensuring you gain valuable insights and practical skills applicable to your field of interest.


1. Neuroscience Track

This track is centered on practical laboratory work involving genetic engineering, microbiology preparations, histological staining, and advanced microscopy techniques. You’ll engage in experiments designed to answer fundamental research questions about the structure and function of neural circuits. The hands-on approach in wet labs allows you to directly manipulate and observe biological materials and processes. You’ll learn valuable, practical skills in precise laboratory techniques, data collection, and the critical analysis of experimental results. If you have a strong foundation in biology and chemistry​, this track is ideal for you.


2. Scientific Programming Track

This track addresses the computational aspects of neuroscience research, particularly the development of software for analyzing large volumes of complex data generated by brain research. You’ll learn to develop and implement software solutions that assist in the visualization and interpretation of data sets, using programming languages such as C/C++, Python, Matlab, or Java. The track is tailored for those with strong mathematical and programming skills, offering the opportunity to apply these skills in a scientific context to solve real-world problems​.


3. Mechanical Engineering Track

This track involves the design and fabrication of mechanical parts that are essential for neuroscience research. You’ll learn to use CAD software like SolidWorks to design custom parts which are then created using various machining tools used to enable cutting-edge neuroscience research. This track will net you hands-on experience in mechanical design and fabrication, giving you the chance to learn from expert machinists. This track is perfect if you’re interested in the practical applications of mechanical engineering in scientific research.


Each of these tracks is structured to provide specific technical skills and introduce you to the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific research. Since you’ll be mentored directly by an MFPI scientist and work with them on their research, you’ll receive personalized guidance and support, enhancing both your academic and personal growth throughout the internship.


Is the internship prestigious?

The Max Planck Internship is quite prestigious, given the intensity of the research as well as the opportunity to work alongside an MFPI scientist on their current project. This is offset by the limitation of the program being open only to Palm Beach or Martin County students, thus limiting the eligible pool of candidates and hence the selectivity. Still, being a part of this program can significantly enhance your college application by providing you tangible proof of your research ability and your contribution to current scientific research. Overall, we’d rate this as moderately prestigious.


Who is eligible for Max Planck’s Internship?

To be eligible for this internship program, you must be:

  • Entering junior or senior year in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school.

  • At least 16 years of age by the program start date.

  • Available for full-time commitment during the internship period.

  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.​


How does the application process work?

To apply, you will need to submit an online application that includes your resume, unofficial transcripts showing coursework from middle through high school, an AP Score Report (if applicable), and a 600-word essay on the following prompt: “Please explain why you would like to participate in the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience high school internship and the skills that make you a qualified candidate.”


The application period typically opens in January and closes by early March​​. Note that there is no application fee or tuition fee, instead you will get paid a $12.5 per hour stipend!


Pros and cons to consider

Pros:

  1. It’s a comprehensive learning experience: The internship offers a thorough immersion in neuroscience, providing practical skills and advanced scientific knowledge.

  2. You’ll develop valuable skills: The structured mentorship and final presentation help develop professional competencies like scientific communication and critical thinking.

  3. You’ll get to earn a stipend: You’ll receive hourly compensation, which supports you financially during the program.

Cons:

  1. Limited accessibility: The program is restricted to students from specific counties, meaning that you’re straight up not eligible to apply if you reside elsewhere.

  2. High demand and competition: The competitive nature of the program means many applicants may not get the chance to participate, and it’s best to have a back-up plan in place.

  3. Intense schedule: Not strictly a con but definitely something to consider – the internship is quite intense and rigorous, and you’ll need to fully dedicate yourself to the research work. You won’t be able to do another program in the summer if it overlaps.

Is it worth it?

The Max Planck Internship offers a rich, engaging, and educational experience that can dramatically enhance your academic and career trajectory. If you are a motivated student interested in neuroscience and meet the eligibility criteria, this internship is an invaluable opportunity to advance your scientific skills and prepare for a future in research. If you live and study in the Palm Beach or Martin County area, and have the ability to commit to the program's demands, then its potential long-term benefits are significant enough that you should definitely be applying to it.


If you’re looking to gain research experience alongside your internship, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs


This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. 


You can find the application link here


Another Option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Alternatively, if you’re interested in pursuing your own research project in a variety of STEM fields, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.


Image Source: Max Planck Institute logo

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