Villanova Summer Research Internship
An 8-10 week full-time summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors who want an early, structured introduction to transportation research.
Join NovaMobility Lab
Hands-on research opportunities for students ready to study mobility, data, and society.
The Villanova Summer Research Internship (VSRI) is now accepting applications for its fourth consecutive year. We welcome motivated high school and undergraduate students into immersive research experiences across mobility data, AI, transportation systems, climate, health, and equity.
Ways to join
Multiple entry points into research
Year-round project opportunities
Undergraduates can join through course projects, summer research, and mentored research pathways connected to publishable mobility and transportation questions.
Graduate and visiting researchers
Students and collaborators interested in mobility data, AI, simulation, public health, and equity are encouraged to connect when their research goals align with the lab.
Research areas
Projects with data, policy, and real-world stakes
Human mobility behavior and climate change
Investigating how climatic events and extreme weather influence human activities, travel behavior, and mobility patterns.
Long-distance travel and disease dynamics
In collaboration with the Institute of Human Virology, this study analyzes multimodal long-distance travel and reconstructs spatial-temporal disease dynamics.
Adoption, hesitancy, and market transitions
Examining EV adoption trends in mature and emerging markets, including Norway, Sweden, and the United States.
Carbon credits and carbon neutralization
Exploring tradable carbon and equity credits that reward sustainable travel shifts and support carbon goals.
Student outcomes
Where students go next
VSRI alumni have continued their academic journeys at world-renowned institutions, reflecting the impact of research-based mentorship and early exposure to rigorous, hands-on work.
It was a true pleasure working with this research group and I learned many things that are extremely valuable on my education journey.
J. Zhou, Stanford University
Undergraduate matriculations 
Graduate school placements 
Villanova University
A research setting close to Philadelphia
#42 National Universities, 2027
Villanova is a nationally ranked private Catholic research university founded in 1842, with programs across engineering, business, law, nursing, and more.
Connected campus
Two light rail lines connect campus to downtown Philadelphia, creating a living context for transportation research and field learning.
Experiential learning
The university emphasizes internships, undergraduate research, professional development, and hands-on engagement with real-world problems.
Application details
Apply for VSRI and related research opportunities
High school juniors and seniors may apply for the 8-10 week full-time summer internship. Undergraduate students may also be considered for year-round research opportunities. In-person participation at Villanova University is preferred, and hybrid options may be discussed.
Strong applicants show
- Curiosity about mobility, cities, climate, health, or data.
- Careful work habits and a willingness to learn technical methods.
- Clear communication and generosity as collaborators.