Our 2026 summer program is now open for applications. Apply here!

Our cohort of dedicated and enthusiastic summer research interns will participate fully in all aspects of research, including recruiting participants, testing infants and children in behavioral tasks, coding and analysis of data, and interpretation and presentation of results.  Interns also participate in guided readings of developmental literature and attend laboratory meetings in which we discuss ongoing projects or current issues in the field of cognitive development.  Students will work primarily in the Psychological & Brain Sciences building of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and may also work at our testing site at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

This summer program is a great opportunity for undergraduates, and it has been enormously successful in instilling students with a love of basic research, preparing them for graduate study, and forming friendships that last well beyond the duration of the program. 

Summer interns have daily contact with children and their parents, and as such must be mature, articulate, and comfortable communicating with others.  Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate enthusiasm for the research being conducted, a strong work ethic, and an excellent academic record.  Desirable background experience includes coursework in developmental and/or experimental psychology, computer skills, an ability to work in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment, and previous research experience.

The 2026 Program will run from June to July, and specific dates will be determined at a later date. Applicants are encouraged to seek and apply for funding from their home institution or other sources; funding from the JHU Lab for Child Development is not available in 2026.

Please consult the Summer Internship FAQ page for further questions!