2027 Repperger Summer Research Internship Program

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 9,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

The Repperger Research Intern Program is a 10-week educational experience under the mentorship of an Air Force Research Laboratory scientist. Stipends vary by student level: $9,000 for undergrads, $12,000 for master's or early PhD, and $15,000 for advanced PhD, supporting research at Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, OH) or JBSA-Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, TX).

Administered by ORAU through ORISE, this program offers exposure to a Department of Defense laboratory environment, with additional

Qualifications

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student during the 2026-2027 academic year.
• Applicants must provide proof of enrollment Fall 2026.
• Candidates selected must provide proof of enrollment Spring 2027 at appointment acceptance.
• Preference given to Fall 2027 applicants.
• Pursuing a STEM degree.
• GPA 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale as of Fall 2026.

Education

Undergraduate or Graduate student eligibility for 2026-2027

Enrollment proof required Fall 2026

Enrollment proof Spring 2027

Job description

The Repperger Research Intern Program is a 10-week educational experience, providing research opportunities for students under the mentorship of an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) scientist. This program posthumously honors Dr. Daniel W. Repperger, who mentored many young people during his 35-year research career with AFRL. Scientists have been selected to mentor Repperger interns because of their technical knowledge, research experience, and willingness to help science and engineering students enhance their learning through participation in an actual Air Force research project. The available research opportunities span many STEM fields, including Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Kinesiology, Physics and several other areas of study. Along with gaining first‑hand research experience, students will learn the inner workings of an operational Department of Defense laboratory and develop contacts and a network that will help them in their professional career.

Key Information

Program Dates: June 1, 2026 – August 6, 2027

Research Locations: Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX

Number of Selections: Between 10-12 students will be selected.

Project Descriptions: Please visit Project Catalog | Air Force Research Laboratory Repperger Research Intern Program for a complete list of projects.

Stipend (for 10-week appointment):

(Note: Stipend rates are based upon candidate's status at time of application submission)

• Undergraduate Student = $9,000
• Master's Student or Early PhD Student (less than 2 years in degree program) = $12,000
• Advanced PhD Student (2 or more years in degree program) = $15,000

About AFRL

AFRL leads the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for America's air, space and cyberspace forces. AFRL is a full-spectrum laboratory, responsible for planning and executing the Air Force's science and technology program. AFRL leads a worldwide government, industry and academic partnership in the discovery, development and delivery of a wide range of revolutionary technologies. The laboratory provides leading edge warfighting capabilities keeping our air, space and cyberspace forces the world's best.

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) leads the development, integration, and delivery of Airman and Guardian-centric research, education, and consultation enabling the Air Force to achieve responsive and effective global vigilance, global reach, and global power now and in the future. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory, the 711 HPW is comprised of the Human Effectiveness Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about AFRL, visit Air Force Research Laboratory (af.mil).

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Qualifications

Applicants need to meet the following eligibility criteria at the time of application:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution of higher education during the 2026-2027 academic year.
• Applicants must provide proof of enrollment during the Fall 2026 term at the time of application.
• Candidates selected for an internship appointment will be required to provide proof of enrollment during Spring 2027 at the time appointment is accepted.
• Preference will be given to applicants who intend to be a student in the Fall of 2027.
• Be pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) discipline.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.00 scale as of Fall 2026.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• All required fields in both the profile and application form. Within the application, you may select up to five research projects and sort your projects in order of preference. While these preferences will be taken into consideration, it may not be possible for all applicants to be assigned to their first choice project. Please also review the “ACADEMIC LEVEL/DISCIPLINE NEEDED” on each research project as locations and desired educational background vary.
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• Two academic recommendations completed by either faculty adviser or school faculty. We encourage contacting your recommenders immediately once you apply. Recommenders are asked to describe students’ Scientific Capabilities and Personal Characteristics and must specify how they know the student.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO!

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Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.