The Summer High School Research Academy allows high school participants to join researchers in the College of Natural Sciences where they will become members of a research team for between 4 to 8 weeks. The participants will see how research works by being directly involved in research projects on the UT-Austin campus. They will learn advanced techniques and interact with students and faculty at UT. By being involved in research, the students will experience the joy of discovery that is central to being a scientist. This is a unique opportunity that will give high school students a real taste of life as a researcher. For Summer 2013 we have two programs available for high school students entering their junior or senior year in the 2013-14 academic year.

Research Methods:
This will be a four-week program from June 10th to July 3rd designed for students with little or no previous research experience. The goals of the research methods experience is to introduce students to scientific thought and methods. The students will work on a research project of their own design with help and direction from UT researchers. During the Research Methods experience, students will learn about designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating their discoveries. Additionally, they will learn about different research projects at UT, including visits to some of the university's research facilities. At the end of the four-weeks, students will present the results of their research.

Research Academy:
The Research Academy is for students who have five or more weeks to dedicate to conducting research over the summer (June 10 to August 9, 2013). These students will be placed in a faculty's laboratory where the students will be integrated into the ongoing research projects. The students will participate in many different facets of research while gaining valuable insight and experience. Each student will be paired with a laboratory based on the student's interests and laboratory availability. The students will present the results of their research at the end of the session. Additional activities of the Research Academy include seminars from researchers and visits to other UT-Austin research facilities.

Students applying for the Research Academy will indicate their availability on the application (below). Each high school researcher will arrange specific hours with the researcher that they are paired with, but in general students are expected to work between 25-35 hours per week.


To be eligible for participation in one of these summer research programs, students must be 15 years or older and be either a junior or senior in the upcoming 2013-14 academic year. The High School Research Academy is not a residential program, and we do not provide housing or transportation for the participants.

Dates

Summer 2013

Starting June 10, 2013

Fees

The registration fee for the Summer Research Academy is $150, independent of the number of weeks of participation.  The supply and instruction fee is $100 per week with a minimum of four weeks.  There will also be a one-time fee of $10 for a student identification card.  Payment of fees are not required until students have been accepted into the program.

Fee waivers are available on a limited basis.  Please submit a letter demonstrating financial need to be considered for a waiver.  Letters may be submitted to Dr. Stuart Reichler by email no later than April 1, 2013: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How to Apply

The Application process requires three forms: an on-line application, a teacher recommendation, and a liability release form.

All application materials are due by April 1st, 2013.

1) On-line Application.

2) One teacher recommendation is required per applicant.  The teacher recommendation form can be downloaded here.

3) Applicants must also submit a Liability Release Form.

Emails about placements will be sent on April 15, 2013, and payments are due by May 1, 2013.

For questions, please contact Dr. Stuart Reichler: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .