40 Summer Research Programs for High School Students
It looks like summer 2025 is going to be a busy one. We’re offering 40 advanced group research programs for high school students, spanning STEM, the humanities, social sciences, business, art, and architecture. These are extracurricular activities perfect for young scholars interested in studying niche subjects outside the classroom, learning how to conduct university-level research methodology, and receiving hands-on mentorship as they develop skills in academic writing and publication.
Take a look at what’s possible this summer!
STEM Research Programs
Fundamentals of Cancer Biology
Faculty Advisor: Associate Professor, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis
Using the platform of breast cancer, students will learn the fundamentals of cancer biology, including the basics of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning with Python
Faculty Advisor: Professor, Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology
Participants of this research program will gain a fundamental understanding of how to become AI/Machine Learning/Data scientists, which will give students an edge over the competition in college and the professional world. Students will learn Python and how to use machine learning software, in addition to making their own machine learning models.
Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessments: Safeguarding Digital Assets
Faculty Advisor: Research Fellow, Microsoft; Former Visiting Associate Professor, Stanford University
This research program equips students with a hands-on education in vulnerability assessment, a critical cybersecurity practice for organizations aiming to safeguard their digital assets against potential threats. Participants will learn how to identify, assess, prioritize, and mitigate vulnerabilities in applications, APIs, and cloud/network infrastructure.
Human-Machine Teaming: Applications, Issues, and Case Studies
Faculty Advisor: Adjunct Faculty, Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science
Students will explore human-machine teaming, or how machines can complement people, scale human performance and expertise, and reduce risk. This innovative research program will lay a foundation for critical, data-oriented thinking and problem-solving in a technologically advancing world.
Transforming Healthcare with Data Science and Machine Learning
Faculty Advisor: Adjunct Associate Professor of Computer Science, UCLA
Participants will learn the essential building blocks of data science, machine learning, and statistics by working on a few methods and techniques that are essential in most data-driven projects. These techniques include capturing, collating, interpreting, and extracting data patterns. Students will also learn how to tweak data patterns to be amendable to various needs.
Exoplanets: Unveiling Alien Worlds and The Quest for a Second Earth
Faculty Advisor: Independent researcher; Post-doctoral researcher, UCLA and CSUN; Ph.D., Astronomy and Astrophysics, Harvard
This research program introduces students to the diversity of celestial bodies, with a particular emphasis on exoplanets. More specifically, participants will uncover the universe’s mysteries by discovering what exoplanets are, learning about the innovative techniques astronomers use to detect them, and questioning whether there’s intelligent life beyond Earth.
Algorithms, Data Structures, and Python
Faculty Advisor: Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology
Students of this research program will learn the most powerful and commonly used classes of algorithms, how data is arranged in different data structures to support the algorithms, and the programming language Python to implement the different algorithms.
Using Satellite Data to Map, Monitor, and Assess Our Changing Environment from Space
Faculty Advisor: Research Associate Professor, Boston University
Students will be introduced to a set of web-based tools to explore and monitor changes occurring on the Earth’s surface. This research program further introduces principles and theories of earth sciences related to environmental change. Students will also learn to understand the causes and real-world impacts of climate change by asking questions like:
How are humans physically changing the makeup of this planet?
What factors trigger and accelerate those environmental changes?
How can we measure and monitor these changes?
Brains and Machines: The Neuroscience of AI
Faculty Advisor: Postdoctoral Fellow, Computational Cognitive Neuroscience, Brown University
This program explores how the biological and computational aspects of neuroscience influence the construction of artificial intelligence and how, in turn, studying AI can teach us more about human brains. Students will learn how the brain controls behavior and processes information, as well as its basic anatomy. This cohort is ideal for any student interested in understanding the contrasts and similarities between human brains and AI.
Neuroscience and Psychology: How the Brain Works in Learning and Memory
Faculty Advisor: Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
Students can explore the scientific research on human learning and memory, as well as the biological systems that make information processing and memories possible. Students will learn the basics of neuroscience by studying levels of processing, interference effects, mass and spacing effects, imagery, chunking, and mnemonic aids to memory.
Quantum Mechanics and Programming: Theory and Applications
Faculty Advisor: PhD Researcher, University of Cambridge
We’ll introduce students to the mathematical principles of quantum mechanics and its implementation in physics. By analyzing contemporary quantum mechanics applications like art creation and financial portfolio optimization, we will discuss how quantum mechanics is applied in state-of-the-art technologies.
Understanding Gravitational Waves with the 2017 Nobel Prize-winning Experiment, LIGO
Faculty Advisor: AI Software Engineering Manager, Carnegie Learning; Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University
Participants of this research program will discover the fundamentals of gravitational wave theory, unraveling the intricate mechanisms that govern their propagation through space-time. By working with data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) experiment, students will be at the forefront of gravitational wave research and stand out as competitive scholars among their peers.
Innovative Solutions to Real-Life Business and Social Problems Using AI and Cloud Technology
Faculty Advisor: Associate Professor, Computer Science, New York University
This research program will introduce the latest Cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and Web3 Decentralized application technologies that can be combined to create next-generation real-life multi-cloud innovative Intelligent Autonomous Networked (IAN) business and social solutions.
Big Data Analytics and Predictive Modeling: Using RStudio to Predict Game Outcomes
Faculty Advisor: Technical Consultant for DoD; Former Professor, Systems Engineering, United States Military Academy
Students will learn how to leverage RStudio, an integrated development environment (IDE) for R, a programming language for statistical computing and graphics. They get hands-on experience loading data, conducting statistical analysis, and carrying out predictive modeling to evaluate teams' performance.
Theoretical & Technical Foundations of Sports Analytics through Basketball
Faculty Advisor: Lecturer, School of Information, University of Michigan
This research program explores the theoretical foundations of sports analytics, with basketball as the focal point for tracing its evolution and profound impact on sports dynamics. Students will examine the inherent strengths and limitations of contemporary sports analytics paradigms by exploring authentic datasets and fundamental analytics methodologies utilized in player assessment and on-court decision-making scenarios.
The Management of Medical Emergencies in Zero Gravity and for Long-Term Space Missions
Faculty Advisor: Resident Physician, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic; MD, Baylor College of Medicine
This is a deep dive into the intersection of space exploration and healthcare that offers a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and medical considerations involved in providing healthcare during space missions. Students will explore the potential medical issues that may arise during extended missions and how to address them using innovative and practical medical techniques.
Molecular Biophysics: Understanding How the Arrangement of Atoms in Protein Gives Rise to its Shape and Function
Faculty Advisor: Data Scientist; PhD, Molecular Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
In this research program, which is rooted in organic chemistry and biochemistry, we study molecules, including proteins, DNA, RNA, and pharmaceuticals. The primary goal is to learn how to discover and use a molecule's three-dimensional structure to understand its function in the body. Students will also discuss how structural biologists collect the experimental data they use to build 3D structures and how computational methods have been developed to construct 3D structures without reliance on laboratory data.
Designing Safer Vehicles to Achieve Vision Zero in the Era of Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (CASE) Vehicles
Faculty Advisor: Principal Scientist in Research and Development at a leading automobile manufacturer; Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Center for Applied Biomechanics (CAB) in University of Virginia
This cohort is based on the United Nations’ Vision Zero initiative. This a global movement to end traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by taking a systemic approach to road safety. By performing in-depth research and analyses of crash data, developing design specifications, and proposing design features to mitigate certain types of injuries, students of this research program will learn the fundamentals of safety tech and designing safe vehicles.
Exploring Neurology And the Role of Music in Neurotherapy
Faculty Advisor: Surgical Critical Care Fellow, NYU; MD, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
In a combination of therapy and brain recovery as primary topics, this research program introduces the basics of neurology and expands into the effects of music on the brain. We’ll explore how music can heal the brain and its efficacy and role in healthcare. Students will participate in lectures on neural cell biology, neurophysiology, neural anatomy, the somatic and autonomic nervous system, and how neurons recover from injury and damage.
Mechanical Engineering Applications: Planes, F1 Cars, and Rockets
Faculty Advisor: Research Fellow, Phutung Research Institute; Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University
Students of this STEM research program can study some of the most exciting technological advances of the modern age–planes, Formula 1 cars, and rockets–which were all made possible by mechanical engineering. We’ll discuss how planes stay in the air and how they’re controlled, as well as how Formula 1 enables the fastest road travel and how we pioneered rocket flight to travel to the moon.
Humanities and Social Science Research Programs
Financial Crises: History and Future
Faculty Advisor: Researcher PhD candidate, University of Pennsylvania; Head Teacher in History, Leiden University, 2019
This research program uses the framework of the 2008 financial crisis to offer valuable insights into the nature of markets, the role of trust in trade, and the concept of market liquidity. Students will engage in interdisciplinary research to learn how to assess the causes and consequences of financial crises.
The Business of Digital Media: How Do Enterprises Leverage Technology, Media, and Innovations?
Faculty Advisor: Associate Professor, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota
Students will explore the world of digital media enterprises, which are some of the most influential forces shaping our economy and society. They’ll analyze and evaluate the strategies of existing digital media enterprises in the news, entertainment, social media, mobile, retail, and other sectors by questioning:
How do legacy firms respond to disruptions in their business models?
What makes these adaptations not only possible, but also risky?
Why do some startups succeed, while others fail?
This program also asks students to assess how these enterprises impact cultural and civic life.
Social Justice in Modern America: Understanding the Historical, Cultural, Economic and Legal Factors
Faculty Advisor: Professor of African, American and African Studies, Francophone Studies and Comparative Literature, University of Michigan
This research program takes a multimedia and interdisciplinary approach to a range of historical, cultural, economic, and social questions crucial to African American and American Studies. Students will analyze films, art, podcasts, documentaries, newspaper articles, short stories, and essays to form a historically grounded but also contemporary, intimate, personal, and artistic exploration of the modern American experience.
Media, Self, and Society: Sociological, Political, and Cultural Dimensions of the Media Landscape
Faculty Advisor: Professor of Global Liberal Studies, New York University in Paris
Participants can discover the profound impact of media on our societies, politics, and individual psyches, prompting a critical examination of its ideological, political, and cultural dimensions. This is an interdisciplinary research program ideal for students of sociology, political science, philosophy, psychology, and media studies. Students will be introduced to ethical debates and critical theories that foster mindful engagement with media and enhance both personal well-being and professional readiness to tackle contemporary societal challenges in their future careers.
Financial Aid: Does It Help or Hurt Developing Countries？
Faculty Advisor: Professor, Department of Economics, Tulane
This research program will introduce students to the arguments in favor of and against foreign aid as a tool to increase development. Through close analysis and discussion of case studies, articles, and documents, students will learn the ins and outs of foreign aid and its impact on development.
Poverty Alleviation Programs, Stakeholders, Interventions, and Key Success Factors
Faculty Advisor: Social Policy Researcher; Master of Public Administration, Cornell University
Students interested in public health can learn a lot from this dynamic research program, which delves into the strategies and interventions that empower individuals and families to overcome poverty and build sustainable futures. They’ll study everything from grassroots initiatives to transformative global programs to learn how to define the success of a poverty alleviation program, how education and healthcare transform lives, and how cross-sector partnerships pave the way for lasting impact.
Analyzing Humanitarian Interventions: A Toolkit for Understanding Humanitarian Action in the Past, Present, and Future
Faculty Advisor: Lecturer, International and Comparative Studies, University of Michigan
This program introduces students to the basic principles and theories that inform humanitarian interventions. We will challenge students to consider the ethical, political, and practical issues associated with saving lives and preserving the dignity of people affected by crisis and conflict.
Legal Dilemmas and Philosophical Quandaries: How To Think About Life’s Most Challenging Questions
Faculty Advisor: Associate at a top law firm; Juris Doctor, Yale Law School
Ideal for students interested in pursuing law or philosophy, this program will help participants learn how to think through challenging philosophical and legal questions (Should you sacrifice one person to save a dozen? How do we tell right from wrong?) that impact how we live our lives and how we interact with the world around us. Using the Socratic method, students will break down legal and philosophical quandries to their core values and determine what matters—and should matter—in our lives and the law.
Chivalry, Civility, and Power: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Honor in the Modern World through History and Literature
Faculty Advisor: Lecturer in English, Yale University
Students will explore the implicit power structures that underpin chivalry, investigating their ongoing appeal and critiquing their role in the marginalization of certain peoples. We analyze the ramifications of chivalry through various disciplines, including history, literature, and art.
From Plato to Marx: Theory of Education Throughout Time
Faculty Advisor: Ph.D. Researcher, Harvard University
Students of this research program will explore how education theorists, over time, have balanced the obligations that a person has towards themselves, their family, their state, and sometimes even their religion. Participants will inform their views by studying classic sociologists–Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim, Max Weber–ancient philosophers–Confucius and Plato–medieval philosophers–Aquinas and Averroes–and early modern thinkers like Rousseau and Condorcet.
The Frontiers of Psychological Inquiry: Exploring Language Acquisition, Consciousness, and the Mysteries of Cognitive Science
Faculty Advisor: Visiting Faculty Member, Cornell University
Through readings, discussions, and critical analyses, students of this research program will learn about some of the latest, ground-breaking research on topics such as memory, intelligence, morality, sexuality, mental illness, language, and creativity. To garner empirical knowledge about the human mind by applying the tools of scientific investigation, students will explore interesting questions like:
Can babies think?
Why do people blush when they are embarrassed?
How can we tell if someone is intelligent?
How reliable are childhood memories?
Why do we laugh?
Global Racism and Anti-Racism: Far-Right Movements, Conspiracies, and Structural Injustice Around the Globe
Faculty Advisor: Researcher PhD candidate, University of Pennsylvania; Head Teacher in History, Leiden University, 2019
This introduction to global racism and anti-racism explores the international history of racism and highlights the fact that racial thinking and ideologies were integral in the construction of many national identities. Students will gain analytical tools to talk about racism and anti-racism by studying systemic and institutional racism outside the United States.
How Do Politics and Political Institutions Shape Public Policies and the Economy?
Faculty Advisor: Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Georgetown University
By introducing participants to political economy, which studies the determinants of public policy at the macroeconomic and microeconomic levels, this program aims to help students understand how politics and political institutions influence public policies and the economy.
War and Peace: International Relations Through the Ages
Faculty Advisor: Associate Researcher, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University
This research program explores what history and international relations can teach us about war and peace, which concern life and death. Students are given comparative insight into waging war, peacemaking, and international relations.
Unlocking History's Secrets: A Journey of Discovery Through Personal Narratives and Historical Events
Faculty Advisor: Ph.D. candidate, Princeton University
This program offers high school students a deep dive into the theory and practice of history research, specifically focusing on how individual people's lives are shaped by larger structural forces. Students will study classic works and analyze historical evidence to learn how different cultural and material forces shape human action. They’ll also further develop critical reading and analysis skills by uncovering the connection between historical evidence and argument.
Business, Art, and Architecture Research Programs
Marketing and Product Management: The Secrets Behind Highly Successful Products
Faculty Advisor: Lecturer in Management, Yale University
This research program will introduce students to the principles of marketing and product management. We will discuss how firms such as Google, Amazon, Nike, McDonald's, Porsche, BMW, Marvel/Disney, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft practice these principles today.
Architecture and the City: Sustainable Urban Design That Inspires
Faculty Advisor: Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech; Former Adjunct Associate Professor, Urban Design, Columbia University
This research program will introduce students to the principles and theories that can inform the design of streets, plazas, neighborhoods, and their relationship to buildings. By learning these fundamentals, program participants will learn how to consider the:
Functionality of buildings
Availability of transportation
Environmental sustainability of the region
Outdoor comfort of pedestrians
Possibility of social interaction
Richness of the spatial experience
Language of the Lens: Photography and Visual Storytelling
Faculty Advisor: Adjunct Professor, New York University; Photographer
By considering how images can communicate stories, illuminate cultural, social, and political issues, and document one’s self, home, and community, students of this program learn how to develop and execute personal and documentary photography projects. They will explore themes that interest them, address technical issues with photography and image-making, and discuss the elements of an effective photograph.
Music Production in Film and Television: The Art and Technology of Creating Emotional Impact
Faculty Advisor: Emmy Award Winner; New York-based Composer and Producer
Students in this research program will view several segments from existing films to analyze and describe their musical content and its characteristics. They'll also learn how different melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and sound textures can be synchronized with several film segments.
Strange Worlds and Rubble: Art and the Second World War in Britain and America
Faculty Advisor: Lecturer, Stanford University
Ideal for students interested in art history, architecture, history, cultural studies, literature and critical theory, photography, and visual arts, this research program teaches students how the art that emerged from the destruction of World War Two reshaped society. Program participants will analyze the work of 10 different artists and architects and consider how their work countered triumphalist narratives of postwar prosperity, instead exposing a fragmentary world torn asunder by violence.
Want to improve your college admission results and earn acceptance letter from your dream school? Get strategic about which extracurriculars you participate in this summer and apply to a Scholar Launch research program today. For more information on how we can help you reach your academic goals, contact us.