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31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
• How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
• How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate. 

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research! 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend. 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 5 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8) 

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists. 

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.  

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3) 

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research. 

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program. 

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10  weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9) 

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. 

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks 

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18 

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19) 

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication. 

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024. 

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship  

Application Deadline: February 14  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)  

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers. 

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8) 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program. 

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship  

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience. 

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks  

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research. 

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.  

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History  

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June) 

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists. 

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. 

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline:   February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1) 

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more! 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program  

Application Deadline: January 16 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17) 

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. 

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26) 

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9) 

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields. 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program  

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2) 

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16) 

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields. 

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle 

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities. 

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs. 

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories 

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs. 

Cast a Wide Net 

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity. 

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances? 

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general. 

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. 

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator ! 

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

Research Opportunities for High School Students

Hands-on laboratory-based research experiences are coveted by just about every STEM-oriented teenager on the planet. Of course, this level of demand renders research apprenticeships a valuable and rare commodity for high school students. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable summer programs run by universities, government agencies, and private research laboratories that afford young scientists this highly sought after experience. Research opportunities during the actual school year are more challenging to locate as colleges are, at that time, catering to their own students, and the rigidity of the high school calendar makes participation a further challenge.

College Transitions’ list of Research Opportunities for High School Students includes a bevy of summer program choices as well as a list of internships and apprenticeships that are indeed offered during the school year. For each entry, we list the geographic location of the program, whether there is a residential component offered, the length of the program, any associated costs or—on the other end—stipends, when the application window opens and closes, and the eligibility criteria for participation. We hope that this collection of research opportunities leads to you/your teen finding the laboratory experience of their dreams.

To view additional data columns, click the + icon to the left of the program’s name

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Wright scholar research assistant program.

The Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program is an Air Force Research Laboratory initiative designed to expose high school juniors and seniors to various disciplines of engineering and science in an effort to further their interest in future STEM career options. Wright Scholars are competitively selected to work as fulltime, paid interns for 9 weeks during the summer. A panel of scientists, engineers, and educators use a "blind" review system to score and rank student applications and essays (names and personal data are removed from applications prior to review to prevent biases). Selected students are then matched with a mentor to work on a research project for the duration of their internship. At the end of the program, Wright Scholars are required to give a formal presentation of their project work to their peers and mentors, and a program certificate is awarded.

Deadline to apply

– 01 November through 10 January

– 16 years by program start date of 1 June

– Must be a high school junior or senior at time of application

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Life Science Experiences For High School Students

Preparing the next generation of life science innovators through hands-on training, unique research experiences, and in-depth internships.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Biotech summer research experience 2024.

Learn about cell culture and molecular biology techniques performed in research and development immuno-oncology laboratories. In this hands-on experience, students will develop vital research skills and learn how biotechnology laboratories harness the surveillance mechanisms of immune cells to create cancer therapeutics. Admission will be offered on a rolling basis until cohorts are filled.

Jumpstart your Future Life Sciences Career

For early career exploration, 1-day hands-on laboratory courses, introduction to biotechnology research.

Students apply laboratory techniques commonly used in biological research. Students will perform aseptic and molecular biology techniques to culture, label, and image mammalian cells.

Introduction to Virology Research

Learn how biologists use viruses in the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Students will perform hands-on molecular biology techniques to analyze the effects of viral infections on protein synthesis.

Hands-On Engineering

Explore the emerging technologies and applications of MedTech devices using computer-aided design, 3-D printing, and material testing. Students will design, build, and test a MedTech device.

Research Experiences with Industry Professionals

Multi-week hands-on laboratory courses, molecular biology 1.

This 8-week hybrid course provides hands-on training industry-standard knowledge and skills in bacterial cloning, genomic and plasmid DNA isolation, PCR, restriction digest, and gel electrophoresis as well as experimental design and execution.

Molecular Biology 2

Prerequisite: Molecular Biology 1

This 8-week hybrid course provides hands-on training with industry-standard knowledge and skills in qPCR, protein purification, quantification, experimental design and execution. Participants will learn the best practices in the standard molecular biology techniques performed in biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology laboratories.

Summer Research Experience

Students will learn cell culture and molecular biology techniques that are performed in research and development immuno-oncology laboratories. Students will acquire vital research skills and learn how biotechnology laboratories harness the surveillance mechanisms of immune cells to create cancer therapeutics.

STEM Scholarship Opportunities Available

Our mission is to develop the next generation of life science talent through education and workforce development programming, focused on engaging high school and college students with a deep interest in STEM careers. ULP’s STEM scholarships ensure students are ready for a biotech career through mentorship opportunities and hands-on laboratory experiences that refine research skills.

HANDS-ON LAB EXPERIENCE

Biotech internship program.

This 8-week internship equips students with vital workplace skills in a biotech setting. Students will learn laboratory operations, effective communication, and engage with multidisciplinary scientists. Students will have the opportunity to earn a UCI digital credential in the Fundamentals of Cell Culture.

For High School Students

Pathway to college and careers in the life sciences.

One of the biggest challenges for students is to gain meaningful laboratory research and/or internship opportunities. These opportunities better prepare students for college-level STEM courses and the demands and rigors of lab science courses. Learn more about ULP's pathway for high school students and how to prepare yourself for your future career in science.

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Providing the next generation of STEM leaders the multidisciplinary skills needed to thrive in the biotech entrepreneurial world. During this 11-week hybrid program, students will work alongside Orange County’s top leaders in innovation, medicine, science, and law. Students will learn adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving through project-based coursework by solving real-world unmet pediatric clinical needs.

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Join the ulp empowers community.

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How to Get Involved with Research in High School

Madeleine Karydes

Lead admissions expert, table of contents, research in high school.

• Where to start…

Success? We thought so.

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Would you like to do hands-on research while in high school? Before we start, we would like to emphasize something. This information is not just for students interested in science! Research is simply the process of discovering new trends, ideas, or phenomenon. This type of discovery can be made in any field, from engineering to history to art to political science.

This may be good news for many of our readers! However, the question still remains: how do you get involved with research, especially as a high schooler?

Where to start…

There are two main ways through which high schoolers can seek out research positions. First, you can apply to a designated research program. Second, you can reach out to researchers and/or faculty of academic institutions on your own.

Research Programs:

Many universities, government think tanks, and other laboratories or academic institutions have established summer research and volunteer programs for high school students. These programs often require applications that are due by January or February, for programs that start in June of that year. The applications often involve essays and recommendation letters, in which the program administrators will use to match you to a particular research faculty upon acceptance.

Examples of some research programs include RSI hosted by MIT for students interested in mathematics, science, and computer science, SIMR hosted by Stanford for students interested in the biomedical sciences, and a program hosted by the Baker Institute at Rice University for students interested in political science.

Venturing Out on Your Own:

Unlike in the established programs described above, you have more flexibility and freedom to choose which faculty you work with when finding research opportunities on your own. Here is a game plan you can follow:

• Define areas of research that you find interesting. We recommend that you keep your interests relatively broad (e.g. Renaissance literature or synthetic biology)
• Identify institutions that supports research in the fields you defined above. You can reach out to universities, hospitals, government think tanks/institutions, and even companies, to name a few.
• Create a generic cover letter addressed to the head of a laboratory or research group, including template sentences that allow you to fill in specifics about the specific research that a particular group does (e.g. “Your research on ______ intrigues me because ______, and I would love to contribute to ______ project”).
• Update your CV/Resume, making sure that it states your credentials and any relevant coursework or previous experiences.

Now comes the part you’ve been working towards…

• Emphasizing that you will work on a voluntary basis (or in other words, for free/without pay) can often help you!
• Email as many researchers as you can, because the yield rate for high school students is often low (again, researchers are very busy)
• If you don’t hear back in two weeks, you can send a follow-up email by replying to your original email. If they still do not respond, move on and email other labs.

If you receive offers from multiple labs or research groups, you can consider the following factors to help you make a final decision:

• Interesting Project? Talk to the researcher about the project you will be working on, and make sure that it is one that is exciting to you and that you can give your full commitment to. The researcher took a chance on you by offering you the position, so you want to give your 100%!
• Interpersonal Dynamic? Go meet members of the lab and research group, and make sure that you feel comfortable with them. Remember, you will be needing their help and the more questions you ask, the better your work will be. If you don’t feel comfortable with the lab, it will not be a good learning experience for you and your work can suffer.
• Funding and Publication Record? Research grants and publication records are often public information that can be found in online databases. Check to see if the lab or research group publishes in high-quality journals, as this reflects the quality of the work that they do. Similarly, make sure that the lab is sufficiently funded, as this can impact the overall work environment and the amount of resources you will have at your disposal.

We help high school students find research opportunities and apply to summer programs. If you are interested in our college counseling program, click below.

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15 Research Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students in 2022

Many students are looking for research opportunities and ways to volunteer with researchers, but often don’t know where to look for them. In this article, we outline 15 research volunteer opportunities for high school students. These opportunities are all free, and while some have an application process, others are always open to volunteers.

Here are 15 Research Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students in 2022:

1. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE ) This program combines college-level workshops and lab research in subjects such as civil and urban engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, and robotics. It is open to high school sophomores and juniors. Students can get supervision from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering over the course of seven weeks. Students will also receive presentation and public speaking training from ARISE's partners at Irondale Ensemble Project, and will present their research findings to NYU faculty and graduate students, ARISE peers, other academic experts, family members, and friends at the program's concluding colloquium. A stipend of at least $750 is provided to each participant.

2. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program The Clark Scholars Program is a 6 week long comprehensive research program, giving students the opportunity to conduct research in practically every field, from accounting to dance to philosophy and everything in between. One-on-one research with academics, as well as weekly seminars, discussions, and field visits, are all part of the curriculum. With just 12 students selected each year, the Clark Scholars Program is very competitive. Applicants must be 17+ by the program start date. The program offers a stipend of $750. The application for this year closes on February 16th.

3. University of Illinois High School STEM Research Program This program is for rising high school juniors and seniors. Students are offered research experience in areas of various STEM fields, such as cancer immunology, pharmacogenomics of anticancer agents, physics, biophysics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering. Those accepted into the program are matched with another student and a teacher from the field of their choice. The program is 6 weeks long, with a required time commitment of 30-35 hours per week.

4. Research in Materials Science Program (RIMS) RIMS, which is hosted by the City University of New York’s Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), allows students to conduct research in ASRC facilities. They also attend professional development workshops during the 8-week program. Students earn a stipend for their participation, and admission is very competitive.

5. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program The Jackson Laboratory Student Summer Program is a 10 week genetics and genomics research program for undergraduates and high school students who are 18 years old and have finished grade 12 at the time of enrollment (current seniors can apply). Only around 40 students, or about 3% of those who apply, are accepted each year. Students spend the summer engaged in an independent research project under the guidance of a mentor, with the goal of presenting their findings at the conclusion of the program. The program offers a stipend of $6000.

6. National Institute of Health High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) HS-SIP provides high school students with the opportunity to do full-time biomedical research at NIH facilities, working alongside world-renowned professionals. Applicants must be juniors or seniors at the time of application and 17 years old at the commencement of the program to be considered. HS-SIP is extremely competitive, with only around 15% of candidates being accepted. The program length is 8 weeks, and offers a stipend of $2080 per month.

7. United Nations On the United Nations' database, there are a plethora of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers who work from home are connected to government bodies, like the United Nations, and they help with a variety of civic advocacy efforts. Research, writing, translation, social media, and art and design are among the other volunteer activities available through the United Nations platform.

8. Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) This summer program takes place at the Rockefeller University and is a full-time in-person research program from June 27 - August 11. Students must be 16+ at time of application to be eligible and must be a current high school junior or senior. The program requires a letter of recommendation. Applications close early for this program (usually the fall of the summer before), so be sure to apply early!

9. Simons Summer Research Program Conducted from June 27th to July 29th this year, the Simons Summer Research Program gives high school students the opportunity to undertake hands-on research in a variety of disciplines, ranging from science and math to engineering. Students can join research teams, collaborate with faculty members, learn about laboratory equipment and methodologies, and get to fully experience life at a research university. Students must be 16+ to be eligible for application, and obtain 2 letters of recommendation. The program has an acceptance rate of about 8%. Students receive a stipend for their participation.

10. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP) A program for students interested in computer science and related fields, Spark SIP offers students the opportunity to learn from and connect with prominent industry professionals, while undertaking research in real-world settings through the internship program. The program requires a student to be able to work full-time (30-40 hours per work) for 8-12 weeks throughout the summer to be eligible to participate. The program offers a maximum stipend of $500.

11. Coriell Institute For Medical Research Summer Experience The Coriell Institute is a leader in stem cell research and genetic discoveries. Select students are invited to participate in the four-week Summer Experience, which allows them to work with world-renowned scientists and researchers. Students attend staff lectures, conduct independent research, learn data analysis, attend a resume-building session, and present their findings in a final presentation. The program gives participants the opportunity to work in Coriell's Cytogenomics and Stem Cell labs while also receiving a $1,000 stipend. Before beginning the program, students must be 17 years old.

12. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship is an 8 week-long, full-time internship for rising high school senior students. The program is specifically designed for students from underrepresented communities, who are interested in the field of biomedical science. Along with receiving hands-on training on laboratory safety techniques and skills in the Fred Hutch Training Labs, students also participate in research education seminars, attend professional development workshops, and receive mentorship from Fred Hutch research groups. Applications for 2022 will open on February 1st. Students receive a stipend for their participation.

13. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) Offered by Carnegie Mellon University, SAMS is for current sophomores and juniors from underrepresented backgrounds who want to earn college credit while "developing mastery of fundamental ideas in higher-level collegiate math and science." Classroom training, hands-on research projects, and professional and academic development courses are all part of SAMS. The program is 6 weeks long. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum taught by Carnegie Mellon University faculty.

14. Research Science Institute (RSI ) RSI is generally considered the most selective research program for high school students in STEM. This program, hosted at MIT, accepts about 80 students each year. In the program, students work with a Boston-based researcher on an independent project. At the end of the program, students then present their research to the broader community in a conference style. In 2019, there were about 1600 applicants for 80 spots or around a 5% acceptance rate for the program.

15. BC Children’s Hospital The BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute offers high school students the opportunity to participate in research education events throughout the year. These events aim to inform students of exciting research discoveries and encourage careers in science and research. The research institute does not have a formal placement process for high school students but those interested can get involved in research by volunteering to work with investigators at BC Children's Hospital. Interested students can view the profiles of affiliated investigators and contact the research teams directly about available opportunities. Students must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer.

Cold Outreach

You can also reach out to professors using cold outreach. Cold emailing is an effective method to virtually reach out to research professors to convey your interest in working with them in their field, on a topic of your interest, in hopes of learning more about that field. A cold email for a research position must be formal, but also show genuine interest in the professor’s research. Emails that demonstrate clear research of their work, an interest in their prior publications, and an honest passion for their field of work are usually well received. Ensure that your email is concise, to the point, and describe how you were introduced to the professor’s research and express why you are interested in what they do. Consider A Research Program

If you are interested in a selective, structured research program, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers. The program pairs you with a full-time researcher to develop your own independent research project. Last year over 1500 students applied to 500 slots in the research program! You can find the application form here.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Intern Opportunities

Recent graduates.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Recent graduates (MD, PhD, PsyD, BA, BS) interested in an in-depth research experience within Neuroscience, Psychology, Disability & Rehabilitation, or Biomedical Engineering. Applications came be made throughout the year, there is no fixed start date. Contact the Lab Manager Kaitlly Zhu throughout the year for more information.

Research volunteers conduct critical tasks with on-going projects including scientific literature reviews, study and protocol design, participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing and editing, and research presentations.

Full participation may lead to a co-authorship on peer reviewed research papers, gather experience for future professions or grad school, and the opportunity to present a poster or write a paper of your own based on on-going research 

UNDERGRADUATES

Summer & Extended Internships

Undergraduates interested in an in-depth research experience should consider a year long internship with one of the post-doctoral researchers at the Adamson Lab. Contact the Post-Doc directly, applications and start dates are year round. 

Successful Applicants will spend the summer conducting critical research opportunities including assisting with scientific literature reviews, study and protocol design, participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing and editing, and research presentations.

Students get the opportunity to write a project paper, develop a poster, and deliver an elevator pitch at the end of the summer. The paper and poster have the opportunity to be submitted to undergraduate paper competitions.

HIGH SCHOOLERS

Seniors & Juniors Summer Research

The Adamson Lab welcomes aspiring High School Juniors and Seniors interested in volunteering within Health Sciences.

Interested applicants will be partnered with a mentor, normally a post doc or research assistant, and will be asked to complete critical tasks such as reviewing research papers, conducting scientific literature searches, and observing data collection.

Successful applicants will get experience and learn about Psychology and Counseling, Neuroscience, Ergonomics, and Disability & Rehabilitation Science. Volunteers will create a poster based on the research they were involved in, have the opportunity to be acknowledged on research papers, and receive college and other recommendations. For summer 2022, contact the Lab Manager Kaitlly Zhu by March 2022.

Additional Training Opportunities

Residents & Practicum PhD/PsyD Students

Expressions of interest should be sent to the Lab Manager  Kaitlin Mason  via email  [email protected] .

Commencement dates throughout the year.

Additional speclization training or placement opportunities in the areas of Neuroscience, Psychology, Psychiatry, Traumatic Brain Injury, Disability and Rehabilitation available for  Residents and Psychology PhD/PsyD students.

Training in clinical research methodology, project design and development, in addition to didactic training and supervision will be offered. You will be able to conduct research to support a PhD dissertation or major project. In addition full participation may lead to a co-authorship on peer reviewed research papers, posters, workshops, and other Lab related research. 

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Inspiring Students at the National Science Bowl

Nell Byler and Elise Bishoff shared their computer vision expertise

Data scientist Elise Bishoff (left) shows two high school students how to create their own artificial intelligence learning model.

(Image courtesy of the Department of Energy National Science Bowl)

What’s the difference between a dog and a muffin? While you may immediately be able to tell the difference between the two, computer vision models—a type of artificial intelligence (AI) —need to be trained first.

Students at this year’s National Science Bowl, hosted by the Department of Energy, were tasked to do just that. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) data scientists Eleanor (Nell) Byler and Elise Bishoff led some of the nation’s top high school students through a computer vision training experiment using Google’s Teachable Machine.

For Bishoff and Byler’s tutorial, students learned the basics of constructing a reliable and robust computer vision model. Then, they trained the model in real time and pinpointed ways the model could fail—setting the stage for students to build and train a more robust model themselves. Students had the choice between two tasks: training a model to differentiate between facial expressions or training a model to differentiate between body shapes.

“The students were really enthusiastic about this experiment—several of them told us they were excited to take what they learned and apply it to music, computers, and other tasks,” said Bishoff. “Many asked about PNNL’s internship programs to see how they could continue this work at the Lab.”

Byler and Bishoff both have a passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists. They both participate in PNNL’s STEM Ambassadors program to engage students in learning about PNNL’s AI research projects and STEM careers.

“There’s a depth and creativity to research carried out at PNNL,” said Byler. “Through the STEM Ambassadors program, we get to ignite a spark of excitement for research in others.”

Byler and Bishoff’s passion for outreach extends beyond PNNL. Byler led the University of Washington Mobile Planetarium program and co-founded Seattle's "Astronomy on Tap" event series. She has also been invited to speak at a variety of venues including the Seattle Museum of Pop Culture, the Olympic National Park, high school physics classes, and Girl Scouts science camps.

Likewise, Bishoff has led various machine learning reading groups, early career events, and recruiting efforts for Women in Data Science. Her work at PNNL afforded her the opportunity to teach data science across the globe, from local colleges to a workshop in Morocco.

Both Bishoff and Byler acknowledge the importance of role models and mentors in STEM.

“Mentorship is the most important factor in the long-term success of a scientist,” said Bishoff.  

At PNNL, Byler leads several programs that leverage deep learning for satellite image applications, including volcanic plume quantification and chemical identification. Prior to coming to PNNL in 2020, Byler studied the origin and evolution of galaxies. Dr. Byler earned a BA in physics from Wellesley College and a PhD in astronomy from the University of Washington, Seattle. Dr. Byler was a  National Science Foundation East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes Fellow at the University of Tokyo's Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe and spent three years as a postdoctoral fellow at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. 

Bishoff is a data scientist in the Applied AI Systems group at PNNL, where she currently supports transitioning data science research to deployable AI systems. Her work at PNNL has involved various data science topics such as the safety and security of machine learning models, natural language processing, record linkage on big data, model production, and robustness of computer vision models. Bishoff earned an MS in applied mathematics with an emphasis in data science from the University of Washington and a BS in mathematics with a minor in computer science from Seattle Pacific University.  

Both Bishoff and Byler are members of the Center for AI @PNNL , which advances the frontiers of artificial intelligence to pioneer solutions that transform science, security, and energy.

Published: May 24, 2024

Research topics

Lab-level communications priority topics.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Director, Legal Strategy & Policy

• School of Law
• Morningside
• Opening on: May 23 2024
• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $116,000 - $159,500

Position Summary

The Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL) is a partnership of professional schools that prepares students for leadership positions in public education organizations committed to improving the life chances of all children, particularly those of color, from low-income households, or otherwise traditionally underserved. The program brings together upper-level graduate students in business, education, law, and policy from universities across the nation to study and engage in research and consulting projects serving public- and social-sector organizations in the U.S. and Brazil that are undertaking and supporting transformational change in P-12 education and in the public sector as a whole. The program offers graduate students the rigorous, multi-disciplinary, academic, and experiential preparation they need to flourish in exciting leadership, management, and professional positions in those same organizations while simultaneously offering the organizations high-quality, low-cost research and consulting support.

Responsibilities

• Team management: Serves as the manager of teams of four to six graduate students for four- to ten-month consulting engagements; sets up project management structures; promotes team cohesion, oversees creation of project plan and allocation of tasks.
• Strategy development and thought leadership: In collaboration with CPRL leadership and staff, designs research and consulting strategy and methodology for projects; executes and adapts strategy and methodology based on the type of project, gathered information, and client feedback; communicates strategy, vision, methodology, and outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
• Professional development of students: Actively develops student skills and dispositions necessary for the research and consulting projects; provides leadership opportunities for students within the team structure; provides ongoing feedback to students; collaboratively establishes professional growth goals with the team and individual students and monitors progress towards these goals.
• Quality assurance: Ensures all work products are high quality and delivered on time.
• Serves as liaison with client organizations: Serves as the primary point of contact with the client; develops project scope of work; manages student-client interaction; documents all changes in project scope.
• Communicates with CRPL leadership: Updates and receives feedback from CPRL leadership about project work; provides written and oral updates about project and student progress; surfaces issues for additional CPRL support; communicates feedback from leadership to student team and integrates it into project work.
• Collaborates with CPRL staff on project work and the development of student resources: Works closely with Associate Directors leading analogous or interconnected projects; contributes to the design and execution of project-related professional learning experiences and materials for students.
• Collaborates with fellow Directors to ensure project success: Meets with Associate Directors about project work; collaboratively troubleshoots problems; engages in discussions and activities to ensure consistent expectations for students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and advanced degree in education, law (JD, LLM), management or business, policy, or social sciences required, plus 5-7 years of significant experience.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with a preference for candidates with expertise in modeling and analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data and in matching research methodologies to client and project requirements. Demonstrated ability to design, direct, and carry out team projects with minimal supervision and to work closely with stakeholders in public sector or non-profit agencies.
• Intellectual capacity to think strategically in a fast-paced environment; understand multiple perspectives; learn about new topics; problem solve and develop responsive solutions under changing circumstances.
• Ability to respond to and integrate feedback from both peers and supervisors; ability to communicate feedback to individuals and teams in a clear and productive manner.
• Experience as a P-12 teacher or experience teaching/mentoring young professionals preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, organization, and communication skills.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

Commitment to Diversity 

Columbia university is dedicated to increasing diversity in its workforce, its student body, and its educational programs. achieving continued academic excellence and creating a vibrant university community require nothing less. in fulfilling its mission to advance diversity at the university, columbia seeks to hire, retain, and promote exceptionally talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.  , share this job.

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Shootings in Chicago are concentrated in the summer, yes. That's only part of the story.

Crain's Chicago Business reported on new research findings from The University of Chicago Urban Labs Crime Lab about a spike in violence in Chicago during the summer months.

“We have a lot of data that points us to the specific places that are most likely to experience high rates of gun violence, and we should use that data to inform decision-making, policymaking (and) investment decisions,” said Kim Smith, director of programs at the Crime Lab. 

Read the full piece here .  

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Welcome to Resource Economics

In the Department of Resource Economics, we apply economics to tackle a wide range of questions including those related to the environment, health care, how industries are organized, and human behavior. 

Announcements

In the news, upcoming events, spring 2024 seminars.

The department of Resource Economics is pleased to present the Spring 2024 seminar series. All seminars will be available in person in Stockbridge 303 unless stated otherwise.

Stockbridge Hall 80 Campus Center Way Amherst, MA 01003-9246