Shadow a Scientist Program

This summer program pairs a group of two Middle School students with a Research Scientist at the University of Texas for a two hour tour of the scientist’s lab and experiments in progress.

The goal of the program is to provide the opportunity for young students to cultivate their interest in science and allow them to experience first-hand what a scientist does on a daily basis.

Students can choose a research area that interests them and when possible they will be matched with a scientist doing research in that area.

THE SHADOW A SCIENTIST PROGRAM IS PLANNING ON BEING IN-PERSON THIS SUMMER (2022) AND WILL BE HELD ON CERTAIN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS (JUNE 2–JULY 21) FROM 2-4PM.

How To Apply

How To Apply

Registration: Middle School students interested in spending two hours “shadowing” a UT scientist one day this summer should complete registration and submit the forms using the button below.

** Please note that when you register, ALL WEDNESDAYS will show up as having a waiting list, however this is an artifact of the registration system.

Sign up for ALL WEDNESDAYS that YOU are available.
You will then BE MATCHED with a scientist on ONE WEDNESDAY this summer depending on the availability of the participating scientists.

When registering, please note that the program works on a first-come first-served basis, so you will need to select the waiting list for each of the weeks that you are available to the shadow and then you will be contacted as your turn to shadow approaches to confirm the date of shadowing.

On Shadowing Day

On Shadowing Day

On the Wednesday afternoon that your middle school student will shadow a UT scientist from 2:00‐4:00pm:

Drop Off & Pick Up: Plan on dropping off and picking up your middle school student at 24^th Street and Whitis (Whitis is one block east of Guadalupe on 24^th Street). The shadow coordinator and student escorts will be waiting at the Barbara Jordan statue located on the southwest corner of 24^th and Whitis. Dropping off of your student should occur between 1:50 and 2:00 and picking up should occur between 3:50 and 4:00. Your student MUST wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.

If your student cannot make it on the day he/she is scheduled to shadow or if you are running late on shadowing day due to unexpected circumstances, please drive carefully and arrive safely when possible. If no one is there to meet you, please call 512-467-0145.

We look forward to having your student shadow a scientist at UT. The experience is rewarding for both the host and shadow!

If you have further questions please contact the FRI Outreach Director, Dr. Greg Clark:

Phone: 512-471-1074 or 512-467-0145. | Email: gbclark@utexas.edu