Understanding the underlying causes of diseases and finding ways to improve treatments for children and families facing them are core aspects of the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research’s mission. The third aspect of the center’s mission — training and developing the next generation of scientists — is brought full circle through the Wells Center Summer Internship and the Medical Physician Engineers, Scientists and Clinicians Preparatory (MPESC-Prep) programs.
Faculty and staff at the Wells Center and the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics annually host these internships for aspiring biomedical researchers and physicians, with 23 undergraduate students participating in 2026. Over the course of eight weeks from June to July, students learn from experts at IU while conducting their own research in the lab. They also have opportunities to network, shadow clinicians, participate in workshops, hear lectures from specialists and present their research. The experiences leave many interns energized for their future goals and careers, with many students returning to continue their professional journeys at IU.
Keep reading to get to know several interns who shared perspectives on their recent experiences!
Meet the interns: Summer 2026
Name: Faheesat Alase-Makanjuola
Current institution: IU Bloomington
Research mentor: Michelle Starr, MD
Research interests: Pediatric nephrology: Assessing how vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) affects a child's kidney health and function over time
Internship program: MPESC-Prep
Question: What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship at the IU School of Medicine this year?
Alase-Makanjuola: I wanted to explore the research side of medicine because that is where we gather all our foundational knowledge, particularly in developing and validating treatment plans. This involves rigorous testing and analysis of medications to ensure their safety and efficacy for patients.
Q: If you could give advice to a future intern, what would you say?
Alase-Makanjuola: There is no one-size-fits-all path in research. Even with an assigned project, you are encouraged to explore other areas of interest. Your team members, mentors and PIs have a wealth of knowledge to share; as long as you communicate your goals, you can easily collaborate on multiple projects and maximize your learning opportunities.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you discovered about working in a professional research environment?
Alase-Makanjuola: The most surprising thing that I discovered about working in a professional research environment is that it is a highly adaptable community, not a rigid hierarchy. Both my mentor and the program director treated me as a valued collaborator and gladly adjusted timelines to help me succeed. However, this flexibility is a two-way street that relied entirely on proactive, honest communication about my progress and setbacks.
Name: Lily Brace
Current institution: Hanover College
Research mentors: Erick Forno, MD, and Anuja Bandyopadhyay, MBBS
Research interests: Identifying children at increased risk for severe asthma exacerbations by evaluating sleep symptoms and serum biomarkers
Internship program: MPESC-Prep (second year)
Question: How has your perspective on research or your field evolved since your first year in this internship program?
Brace: During my first year of MPESC, I worked primarily in translational bench research. This summer, I wanted to try my hand at clinical research. Having the opportunity to experience both approaches has broadened my understanding of medicine and scientific discovery. Bench research and clinical research can look very different, whether working with cells in a lab or reviewing patient charts, but both are ultimately driven by the same: to improve patient care and outcomes. Seeing that connection has helped me appreciate how many different forms research can take and how each contributes to advancing medicine.
Q: If you could give advice to a future intern, what would you say?
Brace: Ask all of the questions. This internship is meant to help you learn, grow, and develop as a scientist. You are working with people who are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced in their fields, and they are here to help you just as much as you are here to help them. Take advantage of the opportunity you have been given. Do not let insecurity or fear keep you from learning, asking questions, or trying something new. Growth happens when you are willing to be curious, make mistakes, and keep improving.
Q: Who has been your biggest champion this summer, and what is the best advice that person has given you?
Brace: Dr. Bandyopadhyay has been my biggest champion this summer. She has both challenged me and encouraged me throughout my clinical research experience. One of the best pieces of advice she gave me was to find ways to enjoy my research. Like any job, research can involve tedious, confusing or frustrating tasks, but her advice helped me stay connected to the larger purpose of my work. By remembering that the goal of research is ultimately to improve patient care, I was able to push through challenging moments and genuinely enjoy the process of learning, problem-solving and contributing to the project.
Name: Dorothy DeWees
Current institution: Hanover College
Research mentor: D. Wade Clapp, MD
Research interests: Neurofibromatosis Type 1; Neurocognitive deficits
Internship program: MPESC-Prep
Question: If you could give advice to a future intern, what would you say?
DeWees: It is okay to ask questions because you're not expected to know how to do everything right away. Soak up as much information as you can; you are surrounded by incredibly smart people who are there because they want to help you learn! It is hard to not know how to do things, but it is integral in becoming a better student, physician and scientist.
Q: How does this internship align with your academic or career goals?
DeWees: My future career goal is to work as a neurologist directly involved with translational research. This program has been an amazing opportunity to learn more about how to think about and talk about neurological research, as well as operating in a professional research environment while still in undergrad. Shadowing at Riley Hospital and working in the lab this summer has only increased my passion to continue working in both fields!
Q: Was there a specific moment this summer that solidified your decision to pursue medicine or science?
DeWees: Over the past weeks, I have talked to many people in different career paths in the lab, during the weekly seminars and while shadowing at Riley. The one thing that they all have in common is passion for their job, for helping others and for advancing science. Science and medicine have been something that I have been very passionate about pursuing for a little while, but talking to the physicians and the scientists, and waking up every day of this internship excited to go to work has only reaffirmed and solidified my passion and my excitement for continuing and trying to advance medical research further.
Name: Carson Fast
Current institution: IU Southeast
Research mentor: Cara Slagle, MD
Research interest: Neonatal nephrology
Internship program: MPESC-Prep
Question: What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship at the IU School of Medicine this year?
Fast: Being granted the opportunity to work in clinical research for the first time ever was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. As an undergraduate, that’s a rare opportunity.
Q: How does this internship align with your academic or career goals?
Fast: As an aspiring physician scientist, this allows me to surround myself with people who are already practicing both, allowing me to see what I may be doing in the near future.
Q: Was there a specific moment this summer that solidified your decision to pursue medicine or science?
Fast: After shadowing in the NICU a lot, I realized that medicine is where I belong. It’s a high-stress environment, but I was still able to keep up with it all.
Name: Charlie Fisher
Current institution: IU Bloomington
Research mentor: Andrew Tilston-Lunel, PhD
Research interest: Lung disease
Internship program: Wells Center Summer Internship
Question: What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship at the IU School of Medicine this year?
Fisher: Research is a way that I am able to problem solve while using creativity. I enjoy working on projects like this and was grateful for the opportunity to work on a project at the IU School of Medicine.
Q: How do you see the research you've done throughout your internship experiences contributing to advancements in medical science or improving patient care in the long term?
Fisher: The work that I have done this summer has contributed to a better understanding of the way that PCD (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia) affects the human body and highlights optimal treatment options for patients with this devastating disease.
Q: Who has been your biggest champion this summer, and what is the best advice that person has given you?
Fisher: My biggest supporter of the summer has been my mentor, Dr. Tilston-Lunel. He has given me the resources and freedom to pursue any project of my choosing. The best advice Dr. Tilston-Lunel has given me is to follow what you're interested in, and the rest will work itself out.
Name: Marissa Hull
Current institution: IU Bloomington
Research mentor: Baohua Zhou, PhD
Research interest: Role of FOXP3 isoforms on regulatory T cell mitochondrial function
Internship program: Wells Center Summer Internship
Question: What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship at the IU School of Medicine this year?
Hull: I intend to become a pediatrician, and my research experience in a lab at IU Bloomington inspired me to continue research throughout my career. As such, I sought clinical research experience in a field with implications for future pediatric treatments: immunology. Immunology is a fast-growing field of research that encompasses diseases ranging from autoimmune diseases to neurodegeneration to cancer. Our immune system is vast and complex, and I was eager to learn more about it hands-on. I wanted to gain research experience to learn valuable skills and scientific knowledge that I could carry with me into medical school and beyond, and the Wells Center Summer Internship Program provided this amazing opportunity!
Q: If you could give advice to a future intern, what would you say?
Hull: Don't be afraid to show initiative and dive into your work! It is intimidating to perform techniques or new experiments independently, but it is the best way to learn. Don't pass up on those opportunities. If you happen to make a mistake, it is just an opportunity to learn. Also, if you are ever unsure about something, it is always okay to ask questions. You won't be expected to arrive as a summer intern that's already an expert in your lab's field!
Q: How does this internship align with your academic or career goals?
Hull: I look forward to continuing research in my future, pursuing a career as a pediatrician while also conducting biomedical research. This internship is providing me with valuable knowledge and research skills that I will carry with me throughout medical school and beyond. Immunology is a fast-growing field of research that encompasses diseases ranging from autoimmune diseases to neurodegeneration to cancer. I am grateful for the opportunity to dip my toes into a field with important implications for future pediatric treatments.
Name: Ethan Kraus
Current institution: IU Bloomington
Research mentors: Reuben Kapur, PhD, and Santhosh Pasupuleti, PhD
Research interests: Hematology oncology; Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Internship program: MPESC-Prep
Question: What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship at the IU School of Medicine this year?
Kraus: I’ve always been interested in understanding the biology behind diseases, especially cancer, and I wanted the opportunity to experience research in a medical school environment. This internship at the IU School of Medicine gave me the chance to work alongside researchers who are focused on translating laboratory discoveries into better treatments for patients. I was excited to build on my previous basic research experience while learning new techniques, asking meaningful scientific questions, and gaining a deeper understanding of translational science and how it can lead to direct clinical impact. This experience aligns with my long-term goal of pursuing graduate training and a career in biomedical research.
Q: How do you plan to carry the momentum from this summer back into your fall semester?
Kraus: This summer reinforced how much I enjoy research and motivated me to keep building my scientific skills. Going into the fall semester, I plan to take the techniques and critical thinking I developed over the summer and apply them to my research in Bloomington. Overall, this experience has strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in biomedical research and has given me an even greater appreciation for the impact that scientific discovery can have on improving patient care.
Q: If you could give advice to a future intern, what would you say?
Kraus: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or step outside of your comfort zone. Research is a constant learning process, and no one expects you to know everything when you start. Take every opportunity to learn new techniques, engage with your mentors and connect with other researchers. Some of the most valuable lessons come from asking questions and being curious.
Name: Taylor McCartney
Current institution: IU Bloomington
Research mentor: Na Xu, PhD
Research interest: Myxomatous valve disease
Internship program: Wells Center Summer Internship
Question: What was the most surprising thing you discovered about working in a professional research environment?
McCartney: I was surprised by how laidback things were. Of course, there were set protocols and procedures to follow, but the schedule was pretty chill and everyone is super understanding! When you make a mistake, you are not shunned. It is actually encouraged to make mistakes and learn! That is what science is all about.
Q: Who has been your biggest champion this summer, and what is the best advice that person has given you?
McCartney: My biggest champion has 100% been my mentor. She has been rooting for me every step of the way. I tend to get in my head a lot, especially when I make a mistake. She has let me know time and time again that I am learning and that the mistakes I am making are all part of the process. This has definitely eased my worry, especially as someone who is a bit of an overachiever and perfectionist.
Q: Was there a specific moment this summer that solidified your decision to pursue medicine or science?
McCartney: I've been dedicated to science and medicine for a long time now, but I think hearing everyone's stories on how they came to pursue medicine really inspired me. I want to make a difference in this world and especially in children's lives. I think sometimes it's easy to feel lost. I think this internship really solidified the idea that I'm right where I belong and that I am doing all the correct things to further my academic and professional career.
Name: Rishabh Rajesh
Current institution: IU Bloomington
Research mentor: Tamara Haque, PhD
Research interests: Pulmonary inflammation, asthma and allergic diseases
Internship program: MPESC-Prep
Question: What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship at the IU School of Medicine this year?
Rajesh: I was previously under the impression that research wasn't for me and that I wouldn't be cut out for the lab setting. However, this program offered an exciting and novel experience to explore traditional bench research in a meaningful way. Dr. Haque's work intrigued me and aligned well with my career goals as well.
Q: If you could give advice to a future intern, what would you say?
Rajesh: My advice would be to ask every question. My PI has taught me that there's no such thing as a bad question, and I've done most of my learning by simply being curious about all the new things I saw this summer. Instead of worrying that something might be too obvious to ask a question about, I've seen that clarification leads to a deeper understanding of the topic.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you discovered about working in a professional research environment?
Rajesh: The most surprising thing to me is how much failure is embraced in research. I've seen time and time again that I can learn as much from an experiment that didn't work as I can from one that did. If an experiment didn't go the way we thought it did, all of the lab members would sit together and develop a new methodology that gives us a better chance to control more variables. This aspect of research was easily the most unexpected part about the process, but it makes the successful experiments that much more meaningful.
Name: Angus Stergar
Current institution: IU Bloomington
Research mentor: Danielle Soranno, MD
Research interest: Pediatric nephrology
Internship program: MPESC-Prep (third year)
Question: How has your perspective on research or your field evolved since your first year in this internship program?
Stergar: In my first year, I always assumed research had to look like bench work and cell cultures, very picturesque lab work. What I understand now, is that research is so broad and the only real thing that different disciplines have in common is the pursuit of knowledge. For different research questions in different fields, it can look wildly different. Because of this, I think there's a type of research for every type of person.
Q: How do you see the research you've done throughout your internship experiences contributing to advancements in medical science or improving patient care in the long term?
Stergar: Sometimes it's hard to see how some of our work matters when research moves so slow, but one of the benefits of being at the Wells Center is our physical location. Being in close proximity to Riley Hospital for Children reminds us of the significance of our work. I believe, though it may take a long time, that work I have contributed towards will eventually lead to better understanding of kidney diseases, better treatment options and ultimately lowering risk for the most vulnerable patients.
Q: How does this internship align with your academic or career goals?
Stergar: This program is the perfect intersection of research, clinical exposure, and career education/guidance. It has provided me with the experience and the exposure needed to decide whether or not medicine and research were the right paths for me. It has given me the network and resources I needed to feel confident in continuing on into medical school and beyond.
Name: Marin Tanner
Current institution: Denison University
Research mentor: Matthew Durbin, MD
Research interest: Congenital heart disease
Internship program: Wells Center Summer Internship
Question: What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship at the IU School of Medicine this year?
Tanner: As someone pursuing a career in medicine, I was excited to better understand how research drives innovation and improves patient care. I enjoy asking questions, solving problems, and learning how new discoveries can lead to better treatments and outcomes. The opportunity to work alongside physician-scientists at the IU School of Medicine has allowed me to strengthen my research and critical thinking skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Being immersed in the IU School of Medicine environment has also given me the opportunity to connect with fellow students and mentors whose guidance and support have contributed to my personal and professional growth and will continue to shape my future in medicine.
Q: How do you plan to carry the momentum from this summer back into your fall semester?
Tanner: I plan to carry the momentum from this summer into the fall by staying connected with the mentors and peers I've met through this internship and continuing to seek out new research opportunities. This experience has reinforced my passion for scientific discovery and medical advancement, and I hope to build on it by becoming involved in additional projects throughout the school year. I'm also excited for potential opportunities to share what I've been working on by presenting my research at conferences this fall while continuing to learn from others and grow in the field.
Q: If you could give advice to a future intern, what would you say?
Tanner: Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they're an important part of the learning process. This internship is designed to help you grow, so ask questions whenever you're unsure, take on new challenges with confidence, and use every experience, whether successful or not, as an opportunity to learn and improve. The more willing you are to step outside your comfort zone, the more you'll gain from the experience.
Name: Madeline Wilson
Current institution: IU Bloomington
Research mentor: Michelle Starr, MD
Research interests: Neonatal and early pediatric nephrology
Internship program: MPESC-Prep
Question: What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship at the IU School of Medicine this year?
Wilson: I had an interest in research based on prior exposures in my undergraduate courses, and I wanted to build upon the skills that I had developed in those classes. I pursued this particular internship because I wanted to deepen my understanding of the medical field and the role research plays in improving outcomes for patients, as well as contribute to the work being done towards that aim.
Q: Who has been your biggest champion this summer, and what is the best advice that person has given you?
Wilson: My biggest champion this summer has been my mentor, Dr. Starr. The support and guidance she has given me cannot be reduced to one single moment, but one of my biggest takeaways has been to seek out and make the most of any opportunity I am interested in, even if it may not pan out. Her impact on me goes far beyond just her research advice, though, and ultimately she models the kind of physician and scientist I aspire to be.
Q: How does this internship align with your academic or career goals?
Wilson: My long-term goal is to become a physician in a pediatric subspecialty, and this internship has allowed me to gain skills that will help me both in the pursuit of that aspiration and when I eventually take on that role. I have also seen how it is possible to balance both clinical practice and research as an MD, and my experiences have solidified that as a realizable path for me. Overall, I feel much more confident in my abilities as both a scientist and future clinician.
