MS-CC Undergraduate Summer Research Internship
The MS-CC Undergraduate Summer Research Internship brings 15 undergraduate students from across the U.S. to explore real-world applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced computational techniques. The program is a partnership between the Meharry School of Applied Computational Sciences and Fisk University.
Focused Research Areas
- Quantum Machine Learning
- Augmented and Virtual Reality
- Agentic AI
- Cybersecurity
- Deep Learning
- Computer Vision
This is a great opportunity for students to enhance their undergraduate education through valuable research experience in applying AI and innovative computational solutions to solve critical real-world challenges in medical diagnostics, patient care, human-computer interaction and cybersecurity.
— Pushpita Chatterjee, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science and data science
Program Highlights
- The internship takes place in Nashville, Tennessee, from June 1 to August 7, 2026
- The internship covers airfare, housing, meals and a $7,000 stipend per student.
- The first two weeks include training and instruction at Fisk, followed by eight weeks working closely with faculty mentors, graduate students and scientific subject matter experts on a team-based research project.
- Students participate in field trips, virtual group sessions with other students and mentors, and additional opportunities to engage with experts.
Participant Benefits
- Gain Advanced Technical & Computational Skills: Build hands-on expertise alongside expert faculty and mentors through immersive workshops in:
- AI & Machine Learning: Build your own AI chatbot, explore deep learning, and study AI-driven human motion analysis.
- Data Science & Big Data: Gain practical skills in SQL, bioinformatics, fMRI data analysis, and modeling and simulation.
- Cybersecurity & Spatial Analytics: Participate in cyber defense labs, GIS cyber threat mapping, and applied Mappler Lite sessions.
- Visual Storytelling & Media Design: Learn creative science communication through the “Story in a Snap!” graphic design workshop.
- Experience Real-World Research & Mentorship: Collaborate closely with student mentors, faculty advisors, and researchers throughout a 10-week residential experience. Expand your industry perspective through on-site field trips to regional technology hubs, including the Meharry EDA Supercomputer, the TSU Smart Center, and the Austin Peay GIS Center.
- Develop Transferable Career & Leadership Skills: Strengthen professional competencies through dedicated soft skills workshops, career consultation sessions, and seminars on AI Governance, Public Policy, and the Future of Government Technology Leadership.
- Expand Your Network Locally & Nationally: Connect with peers and faculty across partner institutions, including Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, and Austin Peay State University.
- Gain national visibility and connect with the broader scientific community by attending the 2026 PEARC (Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing) Conference.
Undergraduate Summer Research Internship Symposium
The internship culminates with the MS-CC Undergraduate Summer Research Internship Symposium. This day celebrates the remarkable achievements of each scholar and the power of collaborative research.
Hosted on Meharry’s campus in collaboration with Fisk, this symposium brings together students, mentors, and community members to honor the hard work and dedication of these outstanding interns representing HBCUs from across the country.
About the Program
The MS-CC Undergraduate Summer Research Internship has been held during the summers of 2025 and 2026. The program is funded through a supplement to the National Science Foundation Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Award No. 2234326, “21st Century Research-Cyberinfrastructure for MSIs through MS-CC: A phased approach to engage the Missing Millions.”
SACS 2026 MS-CC Undergraduate Summer Research Internship Team
Principal Investigator
Pushpita Chatterjee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Data Science
M.S. Data Science Program Coordinator
puspita.chatterjee@mmc.edu
Faculty Mentors
Uttam Ghosh, Ph.D.
Professor of Cybersecurity
Director, SACS Cybersecurity Center
M.S. Cybersecurity Assurance Program Coordinator
ughosh@mmc.edu
Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman Khan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Data Science
M.S. Computer Science Program Coordinator
mohammadmahmudurrahman.khan@mmc.edu
Support Team
Sajid Hussain, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor
Computer Science and Data Science
sajid.hussain@mmc.edu
David Lockett, M.Ed.
Grants Proposal Development and Awards Management Specialist
dlockett@mmc.edu
Post-Doc and Student Co-Mentors
Uttam Ghosh, Ph.D.
Professor of Cybersecurity
Director, SACS Cybersecurity Center
M.S. Cybersecurity Assurance Program Coordinator
ughosh@mmc.edu
Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman Khan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Data Science
M.S. Computer Science Program Coordinator
mohammadmahmudurrahman.khan@mmc.edu
David Lockett, M.Ed.
Grants Proposal Development and Awards Management Specialist
dlockett@mmc.edu
Asmah Muallem, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Data Science
Certificate in AI and Data Analytics for Health Systems Program Coordinator
