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Partnering with us is simple. We'll guide you through creating an internship description, match students to your needs, and stay involved through faculty oversight and structured check-ins.

Learn more in the FAQ section below — or contact us directly to discuss hosting a UConn intern.

Add immediate value to your team while shaping the next generation of biotech professionals. UConn Health Care Genetics students bring more than just enthusiasm—they bring relevant skills, advanced training, and a readiness to contribute from day one. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Industry-Ready Skills Students receive hands-on training in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA sequencing, cloning, bioinformatics, and more—so they’re ready to assist in your lab or research pipeline.
• Professional Preparedness Through coursework in project management, communication, and ethics, our interns are prepared for the collaborative, fast-paced nature of industry settings.
• Custom-Fit Talent Internships are matched to your needs—whether you're looking for research support, technical bench work, regulatory assistance, or data analysis.
• Flexible Internship Timelines Interns are available for 3–6 month placements, with options for full- or part-time roles, in-person or hybrid formats.
• Early Access to Future Hires Get a first look at motivated candidates for future roles in your organization—and benefit from a trial period before committing to full-time employment.

Students are required to complete a minimum 3-month, full-time internship as part of their degree. However, many students are available for extended placements of up to 6 months or longer, depending on your project needs and the student’s schedule. We’re happy to work with your team to find the right fit and timeline.

Students are eligible for internships after completing one year of coursework (or 12 credits), making them well-prepared with both technical and professional skills. Internships can begin in the summer, fall, or spring semesters, depending on your organization’s needs and the student’s availability.

UConn Health Care Genetics interns have contributed to a wide range of organizations across the biotechnology, health care, and research sectors. Internship sites include:

• Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies – Engaged in molecular diagnostics, drug development, genetic testing, and therapeutic innovation
• Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratories – Focused on genomic analysis, personalized medicine, and molecular pathology
• Academic and Medical Research Labs – Conducting cutting-edge research in genetics, genomics, and translational medicine
• Nonprofit and Start-Up Ventures – Innovating in rare disease research, gene therapy, and emerging biotech technologies

Whether you're a well-established company or a growing startup, our program is designed to match highly trained students with labs that value innovation, collaboration, and applied learning.

Our students engage in a range of hands-on and computational work, depending on the nature of the internship. This may include laboratory benchwork, bioinformatics analysis, or a combination of both. Responsibilities vary by placement, but all internships are designed to provide meaningful contributions to the host organization’s projects. You can view an example of a recent student’s internship responsibilities here.

The UConn Health Care Genetics Program provides structured support throughout the internship experience. The Program Director, Dr. Kate Castellano, conducts check-ins at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the internship with both the student and their direct supervisor to monitor progress and address any concerns. Additionally, we provide a mentorship agreement template to help establish clear expectations and promote a successful partnership between the student and hosting organization.

We take a personalized approach to internship matching to ensure a strong fit between our students and partner organizations. To begin, we’ll ask you to complete a brief form describing the internship role or project(s), including any required or preferred skills, the internship format and timeline, and compensation details if applicable. Based on this information, we’ll identify students whose skills, interests, and career goals align with your opportunity. Once we’ve made a match, we’ll share the student’s resume with you so you can review their qualifications and conduct interviews as needed. After a candidate is selected, we’ll facilitate a joint meeting with both your team and the student to set clear expectations and review a brief internship agreement or outline. Our goal is to ensure a smooth onboarding process and a mutually beneficial experience for both your organization and the intern.