Los Angeles, CA – September 1, 2026 - Another summer at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) has come to a close, and with it, the 2026 Summer Internship Program. Kicking off on June 22 and continuing through mid-August, this year's cohort of 21 interns spent eight weeks of their summer immersed in biomedical research, entrepreneurial thinking, and scientific storytelling.
Interns were split across three specialized tracks. Research interns built hands-on skills in cell culture, microscopy, and quantitative analysis. The innovation intern evaluated emerging technologies and traced the path from lab to real-world impact. The marketing intern translated complex science for the public through campaigns that made research accessible to broader audiences.
"I came into the summer wanting more hands-on research experience, but I ended up gaining so much more than laboratory skills. Being surrounded by scientists with completely different backgrounds and areas of expertise gave me the chance to learn from people outside of my own project and see how collaborative research really is," said Amelie Vartanov, a UCLA student. "Through this internship, I gained a diverse set of skills that I’m confident will support me throughout undergrad and beyond. Working alongside world-class scientists and conducting independent experiments allowed me to grow as a more capable and confident researcher," added Cory Lai, a TIBI science intern.
Beyond day-to-day project work, the summer was marked by a few standout moments that brought the cohort together. The interns watched TIBI faculty present their research and demonstrate what the students’ futures may hold. Professional development workshops aimed to build their career skills. The interns competed in a pitch-based innovation challenge and presented their final research presentations to a scientific audience. This summer, the Institute added an Intern Open House for the first time, where the interns were able to showcase their work to family and friends, building on their presentation skills.
"Throughout the summer, I learned the importance of intellectual property and a strong patent portfolio as well as how to assess new technologies for market and patent feasibility," said Maddie Rogers, the cohort's innovation intern. Kana Park, the marketing intern, echoed that growth: "While working on my scientific communication skills ranging from digital content to promotional send-outs and newsletters, I noticed the growth that not only I had, but that my peers had as well."
Program Director Dr. Natashya Falcone once again led the curriculum, pairing technical training with real mentorship. She has described watching interns "evolve from curious students into confident contributors" as one of the most rewarding parts of the summer, a theme that held true again in 2026. TIBI leadership echoed that sentiment, calling the program core to the Institute's mission of developing the next generation of scientists and innovators.
As this year's interns step into their bright futures, TIBI's 2026 cohort leaves behind a summer of research contributions, entrepreneurial pitches, and new professional connections. They are continuing a track record that stretches back several years of preparing students for careers at the intersection of science, engineering, and innovation. Applications for TIBI's next internship cycle are expected to open later this year. We are excited to welcome the upcoming intern class of 2027!