The Gensemer Hypermobile
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Intern Program (HIP)
Developing the next generation of patient-scientists and physicians
WELCOME TO HIP 2025!
Since 2021, the Norris lab has hosted the Gensemer Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Intern Program (HIP) each summer on the campus of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, SC.
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for our 5th HIP cohort!
Application Window: November 4, 2024 - January 15, 2025
Internship Dates: June 2 - July 25, 2025
What is HIP?
The purpose of the hEDS Intern Program, or "HIP", is to increase the critical mass of researchers studying hEDS and empower patients with EDS or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) to be a part of the change. By doing so, we envision the acceleration of new discoveries that will better help researchers and clinicians understand the causes of EDS to guide therapeutic discoveries.
During this 8-week program, selected participants will work on basic science research projects that will further our understanding of these conditions using genetic and molecular techniques. Our interns enhance specific skills required for success in subsequent post-graduate specialties including MD, PhD, MD/PhD, nursing, or other areas of healthcare and outreach.
The program is meant for students (either undergraduate or graduate) who have a close personal connection to EDS or HSD. MUSC and the Norris lab offer this valuable opportunity to academically talented and motivated students who demonstrate a strong interest in post-baccalaureate studies with a goal of contributing to EDS/HSD healthcare, education, advocacy or research in the future
The 8-Week Summer Program Includes:
One-on-One Mentorship: HIP students work one-on-one with Dr. Norris, current graduate students, post-docs, and research specialists in the lab.
Individual Projects: All students work on a summer-long individual project on a topic related to EDS. These projects are tailored to the research interests and educational goals of the interns.
Journal Club & Seminars: Students will participate in an hEDS journal club, attend lectures from leading experts in the field and present their project at the Summer Research Symposium.
Clinical Shadowing: Interns have the opportunity to shadow leading experts in EDS healthcare in the clinic and operating room.
Networking: Students will be able to network with others in the field and become part of the Norris lab Patient-Scientist network.
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What is HIP?HIP stands for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Intern Program which is an 8-week summer internship with the Norris Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina. The purpose of the HIP program is to increase the critical mass of researchers studying hEDS and empower patients with hEDS/HSD to be a part of the change. By doing so, we envision the acceleration of new discoveries that will better help researchers and clinicians understand the causes of hEDS to guide therapeutic discoveries.
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When and where is HIP 2025?HIP 2025 will be held by the Norris lab June 2 - July 25, 2025 in Charleston, SC, on the campus of the Medical University of South Carolina.
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Who should apply for HIP?HIP is meant for students (either undergraduate or graduate) who have EDS OR HSD or a close personal connection to either disease. We are looking for academically talented and motivated students who confirm a strong interest in post-baccalaureate studies with a goal of contributing to hEDS/HSD healthcare, education, advocacy or research in the future.
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What happens during HIP?Interns will work on individual research projects in a basic science lab environment using genetic and molecular techniques. Over the course of the 8 weeks, you will develop or hone specific skills that are required for success in subsequent post-graduate specialties including MD, PhD, MD/PhD, nursing, or other areas of healthcare and outreach. Our primary goal is to provide you with a research experience in an area of the biomedical sciences that will not only give you a broad view into the world of a researcher but also enhance your scientific perspective and provide you with important “hands-on” experience beyond what you receive through your current training. In addition to working with Dr. Norris and an assigned mentor, our trainees are supported by a robust research team. This team consists of graduate students, postdocs, medical students, research scientists, and other undergraduate or high school students working in the Norris lab. In addition to your time in the lab, you will attend weekly seminars with experts in the field of EDS, network with other patient-scientists, shadow physicians in clinic and the OR, and get involved in the advocacy efforts of the lab.
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Will I only be doing research during HIP?In addition to your research project, you will participate in: One-on-one mentorship – Each HIP student is paired with a mentor who will guide them in the lab and provide first-hand information about MUSC’s Graduate and Clinical Programs Clinical and Surgical Shadowing Experiences - Shadowing opportunities vary based on clinician availability but have previously included genetic counseling, neurosurgery, dermatology, orthopedics, and orthopedic surgery. Lectures and seminars by EDS experts - Weekly Journal Club - Each intern has the opportunity to present a recent publication focused on EDS or HSD to their fellow interns and mentors. Summer Research Symposium – At the end of the summer, the Norris lab hosts our Summer Research Symposium, a dinner event where interns present their summer research to a gathering of the community, the Norris lab, physicians, researchers, their families, and supporters. HIP participants are also encouraged to build both social and academic networks with one another and with members of the university community. Participants are encouraged to organize and coordinate activities with their peers during off-hours, and the Norris lab will offer planned activities and events for all HIP participants. Students will also have the opportunity to connect with other members of the Norris lab Patient-Scientist network.
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Is HIP a paid internship?Yes! HIP participants will receive a living allowance of $4,000 for the entire 8-week program to help pay for expenses while participating. (Please note: this living allowance may not be tax-free, and taxes will be deducted if required.) Housing and travel are also provided for accepted participants. Interns live in downtown Charleston within walking distance of the lab. Each student has their own bedroom, with common areas shared with at least one other intern.
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What are the eligibility requirements for HIP?Applicants must: Be able to complete the entire 8 weeks of the program. (June 2 – July 25, 2025) Be a patient with or have a close personal connection to the Ehlers Danlos Syndromes or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Both live in the U.S. and be a U.S. citizen Be committed to a career studying, treating, educating, or advocating for EDS or HSD Preferred: Have prior research experience Hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher
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What will I need for the application?An unofficial college transcript Resume/CV Responses to the following essay prompts (limit of 100-words each): Provide an overview of your career aspirations and how this internship aligns with your professional goals. What areas of research related to hEDS and biomedical science interest you? If you have prior research experience, please elaborate on it and include specific techniques you've learned. If you have not had formal research experience in a lab, but have taken labs in your college coursework, you can discuss this. What are you hoping to achieve through the HIP program? What does it mean to you to be a patient-scientist? What are some of your interests outside of your academic work? (i.e. advocacy, artistic endeavors, athletics, etc.) Optional: Is there anything else you would like to share with us that might be relevant to your application? Two academic letters of recommendation. These letters can be from: Faculty who are familiar with your science coursework or research skills Faculty who are familiar with your overall academic work and your drive for success A scientist/clinician at another institution who has mentored you in a research experience. Note: The letters are required to be written on letterhead and signed by the faculty recommender. A link will automatically be sent to the recommender’s email address which you provided on your application.
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Can I start the application and come back later?Yes! You can save your progress and return at any time before the application deadline.
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When are the 2025 HIP applications due?Applications for HIP 2025 will open November 4, 2024, and are due at 11:59 pm on January 15, 2025.
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What criteria do we use to select candidates for our program?We receive a multitude of exceptional applications, each offering unique skills, perspectives, and research interests. Every year, we are blown away by the accomplishments and stories our applicants share with us. We also have far more applicants than available internship positions and must make difficult decisions on who to include in our program each year. Our selection process is about more than just academic performance or research experience— though both are strongly considered. It’s also about finding students with a genuine curiosity, a commitment to learning, and a drive to create meaningful change in EDS research and patient care. We prioritize candidates who not only demonstrate a strong interest in our areas of research but also show a track record of making a positive impact in their communities. In addition to individual fit, we aim to create a strong, cohesive, and diverse group of interns, considering both how each intern will benefit from the program and how they’ll complement one another in their contributions. We strive to connect each intern with a mentor whose expertise aligns with their interests, fostering a collaborative and supportive mentorship experience.
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What if I have more questions about HIP?First, please carefully review the rest of the website, the program application and our program information packet as many of your questions will likely be answered there. If you have any additional questions regarding the hEDS intern program or the application, please contact Molly at thenorrislab@musc.edu. We understand everyone's experience is unique and are happy to answer questions specific to your situation or to provide any additional information you need as you prepare your application.
