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.

HIP 2026 will be held by the Norris lab June 1 - July 24, 2025 in Charleston, SC, on the campus of the Medical University of South Carolina.

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.

Interns will work on basic science (using genetic and molecular techniques), clinical research, or bioinformatics projects in a lab environment that will further our understanding of these conditions.

Our primary goal in doing so is to provide you with a research experience in biomedical sciences that will 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, program staff, and other undergraduate or high school students working in the Norris lab

In addition to your time in the lab, you will attend 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.

In addition to your research project, you will participate in:

• Mentorship – In addition to the support from the lab team, each intern is paired with a mentor who will guide them in their project.

• 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

• 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. Students will also have the opportunity to connect with other members of the Norris lab Patient-Scientist network.

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 the responsibility of interns.)

Travel expenses to and from Charleston will be covered up to $1000.00, for economy airfare or mileage (calculated at a standard rate) up to the cost of a flight.

Housing in downtown Charleston will be covered for those accepted into the program that reside outside the greater Charleston Area. Each student typically has their own bedroom, with common areas shared with suitemates. While accessible housing is sought diligently each year, the program cannot guarantee its availability. 

Applicants must:

• Be able to complete the entire 8 weeks of the program. (June 1 – July 24, 2026)

• 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

1. An unofficial college transcript 

2. Resume/CV

3. Responses to the following essay prompts (limit of 100-words each):

   1. Provide an overview of your career aspirations and how this internship aligns with your professional goals.

   2. What areas of research related to hEDS and biomedical science interest you?

   3. 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.

   4. What are you hoping to achieve through the HIP program?

   5. What does it mean to you to be a patient-scientist?

   6. What are some of your interests outside of your academic work? (i.e. advocacy, artistic endeavors, athletics, etc.)

   7. Optional: Is there anything else you would like to share with us that might be relevant to your application?

Yes! You can save your progress and return at any time before the application deadline.

Applications for HIP 2026 are due at 11:59 pm on January 13, 2026.

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.

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 Griggs at griggsma@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.