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Repperger Research Intern Program

The Repperger Research Intern Program is a 10-week educational experience, providing research opportunities for students at one of the Air Force research facilities under the mentorship of an Air Force scientist. This program posthumously honors Dr. Daniel W. Repperger, who mentored many young people during his 35 year research career with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Scientists have been hand selected to mentor, because of their technical knowledge, 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 nearly all STEM fields, from Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Kinesiology, Physics and many more areas of study. Along with gaining first-hand research experience, students will learn the inner workings of an operational laboratory and develop contacts and friendships that will last a lifetime.

For detailed program information and a list of current research projects, please visit https://orise.orau.gov/afrl/repperger-research.html.

Key Information

Program Dates: June 6 – August 12, 2022

Research Locations: Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, with options for AFRL Collaborative Labs at Wright State University; or JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX

Stipend: ~$12,000 for 10-week period

Number of Selections: Approximately 10-15 students will be selected for research participation.

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 711^th Human Performance Wing advances human performance in air, space and cyberspace through research, education and consultation, accomplished through the synergies created by the wing’s two distinct but complementary entities: Airman Systems Directorate and U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. For more information about AFRL, visit Air Force Research Lab.

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 the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

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

• Be a U.S. citizen. 
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution of higher education during the 2021-2022 academic year. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment during the Fall 2021 term at the time of application. Candidates selected for an internship appointment will be required to provide proof of enrollment during Spring 2022 at the time appointment is accepted. Please note, preference will be given to applicants who intend to be a student in the Fall of 2022.
• Be pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) discipline.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale as of Fall 2021.

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 - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Transcripts must include name of the academic institution, name of the student, completed coursework and grades through Summer 2021 and courses in progress/completed during Fall 2021. Final grades for Fall 2021 semester will not be required.
• A current Resume/Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
• Two academic recommendations completed by either faculty adviser or school faculty received by January 24, 2022, 3:00 p.m. EST. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until two recommendations are submitted. We encourage contacting your recommenders immediately once you apply. References/recommendations are asked to describe students’ Scientific Capabilities and Personal Characteristics and must specify how they know the student.

If you have questions, send an email to AFRL-Summer@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [AFRL-711HPW-2022-Repperger] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.50
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (2 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )