Program Overview

The CIRCUIT program at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) offers undergraduate students an opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research while building skills to make significant contributions to science. Diverging from traditional summer internships, CIRCUIT students participate in a yearlong cohort-based research experience as integral members of APL project teams and participate in unique, hands-on learning in a fun, collaborative environment.

What it entails: Participation includes a full-time (40 hours per week), on-site summer program at APL and a part-time (15 hours per week) school-year commitment. Students are also asked to participate in spring training before the summer session (15 hours per week). The summer session includes workshops and seminars designed to enhance students’ research skills. During the school year, students will meet with their teams and mentors at least once per week.

Compensation: Students are paid hourly for an estimated total of $9,500 during the summer, along with research credit for students’ work during the school year.

Applicant requirements: All undergraduates are encouraged to apply; there are no specific subject-matter background requirements, and CIRCUIT provides training and mentoring to support students in the broader research community. Applicants must simply demonstrate an interest in scientific inquiry, and preference will be given to students who plan to participate in both program sessions (summer and school year).

Trailblazers wanted: CIRCUIT encourages applications from “trailblazers,” which the program defines as high-achieving scholars from underserved backgrounds, women and other minorities in STEM fields, and those without a previous chance to earn research experience or who otherwise face barriers in achieving their dreams.