FAQs

What are the steps in applying for an HB-REX internship?

There are two different processes for applying to HB-REX internships - one is for students with existing research mentors, and the other is for those who do not have an existing mentor and are applying to a specific project (students may not apply through both processes). Both application processes are of similar length and rigor, so do not worry that you will be at a disadvantage if you don't have a faculty mentor already. 

(1) For those without mentors: Our HB-REX Project Directory showcases all of the various research projects available for you to apply to. You can submit an application to a maximum of three specific projects indicating your interest in becoming an HB-REX summer research intern. Each application form you fill out applies only to one specific project, so you would have to repeat the application process for as many projects as you wish to apply for. Faculty mentors will receive these applications and ask some applicants to interview for the internship.

(2) For those with existing mentors: you can submit an "Existing Mentor" application, in which you will outline the nature of the project you will be working on and your background with that mentor / research lab.

Who is eligible for the HB-REX program?

Human Biology majors or minors who are sophomores or juniors currently enrolled in the Core are eligible to apply for an HB-REX internship this summer. Sophomores take priority over juniors. You must complete the declaration process by the end of Spring Quarter to participate. Don’t delay this process, as it may take a few weeks for your declaration to be fully processed! 

What types of research projects does HB-REX offer?

We offer a wide variety of projects across diverse topics and research methodologies. Past projects have involved wet lab work, data analysis, qualitative interviews, patient outreach, and nutritional education for children (to name just a few). During the application cycle, you will be able to view all the available research projects here:

HB-REX Landing Page

Is this program also open to Hum Bio juniors and seniors who are not currently in the Core?

HB-REX is designed for students just beginning research, while other resources are available to support more advanced students. Junior and seniors working on Honors projects should take advantage of the generous support offered by the UAR student grants program. The deadlines for these applications is March 1, so check into this option asap!


UAR Grants


However, in special cases we do offer a few HB-REX internships to juniors who are just beginning to explore research options.

Am I still eligible for HB-REX if I haven’t yet found a mentor?

Yes. See the HB-REX project directory by following the links on this page to view all of the research opportunities available. You may apply for up to three projects - each application is for a specific project, so you will have to repeat the application process for each project you wish to apply to. Mentors will interview candidates on the basis of these applications.

Do I get paid for working as an HB-REX intern?

Yes, the summer wage in 2022 was $7500 for 350-400 hours of work. Compensation is made in the form of a stipend; 100% of this stipend is paid in advance to cover housing and other living expenses.

The payment is subject to tax and will be reported on your 1098T form, which can be found here.

Is summer housing available?

Yes, HB-REX interns have the option of living in campus housing over the summer. Students interested in living on campus will request housing directly through an online web form and will pay for it from the HB-REX stipend. Note that living on campus is not a requirement for participating in HB-REX.  Students involved in fieldwork with a faculty mentor at an off-campus research site must also pay for room and board expenses from their HB-REX stipend.

Can I be involved in HB-REX if I can't work full-time?

No, you must work at least 350 hours total. You may begin as early as the day after graduation, and you may work until the end of the housing contract period in the summer. Your specific schedule must be worked out with your research mentor(s) directly.

Can I combine HB-REX research with summer school classes?

No. We've found that the intensive summer classes some Hum Bio students take in physics and chemistry are too demanding to allow the full-time engagement in research that is the main goal of the HB-REX program.  The university also places restrictions on the number of hours that paid interns can spend in class.

Can this project count as my HumBio Capstone?

No it cannot.

Will HB-REX support an off-campus research project?

HB-REX supports involvement in a closely supervised project directly related to the research program of a Stanford faculty member. If the off-campus project you develop fits this criterion (as in fieldwork in which the faculty mentor is actively involved), then you are eligible for HB-REX support, even if you would not be working on campus.

How do you decide who gets awarded an HB-REX stipend?

Because we have many more applicants than stipends available, the HB-REX program is competitive. Decisions will be made based on several factors, including motivation for doing research and availability of a good match between a student and a research mentor.

Where can I get more information?

For general information about the HB-REX program you should talk with Dr. Katherine Preston (kpreston@stanford; Bldg. 20, Room 22D) in the Human Biology Program building (Bldg 20, inner main quad).