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What are some summer programs for research I can take?

I’m a rising sophomore, and I am trying to build a good background in life sciences like biology/biochemistry and research for college.

I want to apply for top schools, thus I felt it was best to start setting the foundation now itself.

Are there any (preferably online, or in the Boston area) research programs/opportunities available for me?

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Prathiv,

Research Programs for High School Students in Life Sciences:

As a rising sophomore looking to enhance your background in life sciences like biology and biochemistry through research programs, there are several options available to you, both online and in the Boston area. Participating in research programs during high school can provide valuable hands-on experience, exposure to cutting-edge research, and help you stand out in college applications.

1. Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) - Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard: The Broad Summer Research Program is a highly competitive summer internship program that offers high school students the opportunity to conduct hands-on biomedical research at the renowned Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. This program provides students with mentorship from leading scientists, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and the chance to contribute to real-world research projects in genomics, computational biology, and related fields.

2. Boston Leadership Institute (BLI) - Biomedical Research Programs: The Boston Leadership Institute offers various summer programs for high school students interested in biomedical research. Their programs cover a wide range of topics within the life sciences, including genetics, neuroscience, microbiology, and more. Students have the opportunity to work on independent research projects under the guidance of experienced instructors and researchers.

3. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Youth Scholars Program: The MGH Youth Scholars Program is a summer internship program designed for high school students interested in exploring careers in healthcare and biomedical research. Participants have the chance to shadow healthcare professionals, engage in hands-on laboratory activities, attend workshops and seminars, and gain exposure to various medical specialties.

4. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center CURE Program: The CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences) Program at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center offers high school students the opportunity to work on cancer-focused research projects alongside leading scientists and clinicians. Participants gain insight into cancer biology, treatment strategies, and cutting-edge research techniques while contributing to ongoing research efforts.

5. Online Research Opportunities: In addition to local programs in the Boston area, there are also online research opportunities available for high school students interested in life sciences research. Platforms like MIT LaunchX, Research Science Institute (RSI) Online, Amgen Scholars Program Virtual Symposium, and Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offer virtual research experiences that allow students to collaborate with mentors and peers from around the world.

Participating in these summer research programs can not only help you develop essential skills in scientific inquiry and critical thinking but also demonstrate your passion for science and commitment to academic excellence when applying to top colleges.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Boston Leadership Institute (BLI)
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)

GOD BLESS YOU,
JC.
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Daphne’s Answer

For a high school student seeking summer research programs, I'd recommend exploring local university programs in areas of interest. Look into initiatives like Upward Bound and other university-affiliated programs that offer research opportunities. These programs often provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to various fields of study. Additionally, consider reaching out to professors or researchers at nearby universities to inquire about potential research internships or opportunities to assist with ongoing projects. This can be a valuable way to gain practical experience and explore potential career paths.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Prathiv !

Living near Boston is in your favor for research opportunities. Brigham and Women's Hospital has a lot of opportunity. Read about their research opportunities for students at the link below. You can also check out the summer programs at various colleges at another link I left for you below. I have also left a link to a list of opportunities for you.

Have you done research before ? If not, I have left a link for you below explaining what you need to do. It would be good to get the basics before you start doing research. Living near a major city as you do, there will be a lot to choose from so additional searches online would be advisable. Think of some subject or topics in biology or biochemistry that haven't had a lot of attention and come up with a list of subjects you'd like to research so you will have ideas ready and know where to start.

Once you write your paper, if you have a school newspaper see if they would publish an article with your research, an article that you would write. If you have a news program at your school, present the information to them also.

This is truly an exciting venture and I wish you all the best !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

VOLUNTEER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL https://www.brighamandwomens.org/research/research-volunteer-opportunities
VARIOUS SUMMER PROGRAMS https://www.teenlife.com/category/summer/summer-programs-boston/
HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIPS IN BOSTON THIS YEAR https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-internships-boston
HOW TO DO RESEARCH https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/teens/2020/05/online-research-skills-for-high-school-students-tips-and-strategies.html
FREE RESEARCH SKILLS COURSES ONLINE https://www.classcentral.com/tag/research-skills
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Jim’s Answer

This could be an exciting opportunity if it piques your interest!

Minority Introduction to Science and Engineering (MITES)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is eager to welcome more minority students into the world of science and engineering. To achieve this, MIT hosts the esteemed Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) program every summer. This intensive six-week course serves as an excellent introduction to these fields, providing students with enjoyable activities, a sense of community, a glimpse of college life, and lessons on various subjects such as calculus, biochemistry, and physics, among others.

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Duration: Six weeks
Subjects Covered: Biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, genomics
Cost: Only the transportation to and from MIT

https://mites.mit.edu/

Formerly known as OEOP, MITES offers transformative experiences that boost confidence and build a strong foundation in STEM for highly motivated students from grades 7 to 12, especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. We aim to promote equity and access in STEM by providing engaging, hands-on programs at no cost to participants and their families.

We pave new paths for our students, assisting them in acquiring the necessary skills and fostering a sense of belonging in the STEM fields. We also empower them to apply their knowledge in addressing pressing issues in their communities and the world at large. Together, everyone at MITES - our staff, our instructors, and our scholars - embodies MIT's mission to make the world a better place for all.
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Prathiv,

I see a 2-week summer program and a 6-week RISE internship at Boston University. They are expensive though.

Harvard has an online biochemistry course. It might not be suitable for high-school level though. Send them an e-mail and find out.

The Boston Leadership Institute has a number of 3-week summer programs.

I left some links for you below. I hope this helps! Have fun!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/summer-challenge
https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/rise-internship-practicum/
https://onlinelearning.hms.harvard.edu/hmx/courses/biochemistry
https://www.bostonleadershipinstitute.com/three-week-programs/
https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/features/pre-college-summer-science-programs-high-school-students/
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Joanna Rose’s Answer

Hello Prathiv,

There are numerous summer research programs available that cater to a variety of academic interests and career aspirations. Universities often host these programs, providing students with the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers and professors in specialized fields. For instance, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation offers research opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to social sciences at institutions across the U.S. Additionally, private organizations and research institutes like the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory offer summer internships that focus on biological and medical sciences. These programs not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also significantly bolster your resume and graduate school applications.
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