"Camp Zon Summer Intern 2026"

Camp Zon is a two-week high school virtual research experience that will take place July 6th - 17th, 2026. The working hours will generally be 12-4PM or 1-5PM each afternoon with one morning session of 10AM-12PM. Students will learn about blood development and cancer biology, gain critical thinking and presentation skills, and interact with top researchers at a world-class facility. As part of the Camp, you will attend lectures from outstanding scientists on topics ranging from basic biology to clinical translation of research. You will learn to critically read and understand scientific literature, as well as learn the basics of coding for data analysis. Finally, Dr. Len Zon and the scientists in the lab will give career advice in a mentoring session and career panel Q&A.

During this part-time virtual two-week research experience, you will:

• Become a scientist in the Zon Lab and learn about research using zebrafish.
• Be part of a team that designs a research project to study anemia using zebrafish as a model organism.
• Generate a hypothesis, design experiments, and analyze data.
• Witness the zebrafish experiments you design being performed live in the lab.
• Present your project to all Zon Lab members as well as your family and friends!

Who can apply? Any high school student 16 years of age or older residing in Massachusetts and attending a Massachusetts high school. There are no prerequisites or research experience required. Must be 16 years of age by June 1st, 2026.

Please provide a resume and cover letter explaining why you would like to attend this program. Resume and cover letter templates can be found at this link: https://www.zonlab.org/useful-documents. Make sure to briefly share in your cover letter your level of understanding (two sentences max.) of the following biology concepts: DNA, genes, and proteins. No research or laboratory experience is required to participate in Camp Zon. However, we encourage applicants to share any research experience, scientific extracurricular activities and/or AP biology classes they are involved in. Applications are due April 24th, 2026.

Recruitment process

• Resume review & interviews: Applications will be screened, and interviews will be scheduled as appropriate. Resumes are required and cover letters are strongly encouraged.
• Offer decision: Decisions regarding program acceptance and placement will be made at the end of May.
• Onboarding: Those selected for the internship program will complete onboarding to ensure a smooth start to the program. Students under 18 years old will need their parent/guardian signatures for onboarding. This includes: Scheduling an appointment during one of our onboarding days, Obtaining appropriate work permits, Health records, Proof of Employment Eligibility, Media release.