I am not a UNC-Chapel Hill student. Am I able to apply to FERN?
FERN is open to qualified undergraduate students from any university in the USA.
I am an undergraduate student outside of the USA. Can I still apply?
FERN is only open for US-based undergraduate students.
I am graduating in May/June 2025. Can I still apply?
Students graduating in May/June 2025 are not eligible to participate in FERN. FERN’s mission is to provide research experience to 2nd– and 3rd-year students that will graduate in December 2025 at the earliest.
Do I need recommendation letters as part of my application?
No, recommendation letters are not needed to apply to FERN. You only need to provide 2 to 3 reference contacts. Please provide their name, contact information, and your relationship with the reference in a Word document when you submit your application. We will call or email your references if you are selected for an interview.
What type of references is FERN looking for?
FERN is looking for professional and/or academic references.
To whom should I address my cover letter?
You can address your cover letter to “FERN Committee”.
I don’t have access to an official transcript. What do I do?
An official transcript is not required to apply to FERN; only an unofficial transcript is needed. When you submit your transcript, be sure that it is not password protected by your university and that your coursework and grades are provided. A PDF version of your transcript is preferred.
Do I need to have previous research experience to apply?
No: FERN’s mission is to provide opportunities for students to engage in policy research, so no previous research experience is needed.
I missed the application deadline. Can I still apply?
No: Applications are not accepted after the job posting is closed.
I plan on taking in-person summer classes and/or continuing with my part-time job. Am I eligible to apply?
FERN is a 9-week, 40 hour/week (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) commitment. Students accepted into the FERN program are required to prioritize the FERN internship as their main commitment during the summer. Any additional commitments should take place outside of working hours.
I plan on attending medical school or puruing another health-related advanced degree (e.g., Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy). Can I still apply?
FERN specifically focuses on the development of essential research skills, such as conducting literature reviews, collecting data, and designing research projects. The FERN internship may not optimally support the career development of students who plan to go into fields focused on patient care. However, if you have an interest in exploring nutrition research and plan to incorporate it into your future career, then we strongly encourage you to apply! Please explain in your application how the training from FERN will support your future goals.
Is residence on campus during the program a requirement to participate in FERN?
Residence on campus is offered but not a requirement to participate. Note that FERN interns are required to be in the office at the Carolina Population Center twice a week (at a minimum) throughout the program.
I submitted my application. When should I expect to hear from GFRP?
FERN applications are accepted until 11:59pm ET on February 3, 2025. Applicants selected for interviews will receive an email from FERN by the end of February 2025.
What is the working schedule?
FERN is a hybrid, 40-hour/week (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) internship. Interns are expected to be in the office at CPC at least twice a week, typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Interns may work additional days in the office or work from home for the remaining 3 days of the week
View sample application:
