STARS (Science Technology & Research Scholars)

In-Person STARS

Cold Spring Harbor location only

STARS is a two-week summer research experience designed to support the next generation of minority scientists, doctors, and other health professionals. This program provides students with state-of-the-art laboratory and computer science skills needed to succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in college and beyond.

Students conduct hands-on science and computer projects and participate in enrichment activities including discussions with researchers and tours of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Stony Brook University campuses. After the two-week program, students also have a line of communication to mentors who can provide advice on finding future research experiences and preparing for college. Students will join our alumni network which includes school-year virtual and in-person activities for mentorship, college prep, and research experiences.

Classes run Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Stony Brook field trip day concludes at 6:00 p.m.). Parents are responsible for on-time drop-off and pickup, and we will work to accommodate students for whom transportation presents a hardship.

Students build skills in three areas:

Molecular Biology

• Acquire basic biological/biomedical laboratory skills such as laboratory safety, DNA extraction and analysis, DNA sequencing, and other molecular biology techniques
• Work on a complete research project using DNA barcoding to identify species of invertebrates, insects or plants in their environment

Coding and Data Science

• Learn the basics of computer coding (in the Python language) and fundamental data science skills
• Learn how to write code in order to analyze biological data

Science and Career Skills for Success

• Understand how to develop science research questions
• Communicate the results of research, including writing, speaking, and presentation skills
• Explore career opportunities in science and understand how to prepare for success (writing a resume, finding a mentor, effective study techniques)

Eligibility:

The STARS program is open to students who are underrepresented minorities in STEM (defined by the National Science Foundation as Black or African American; American Indian or Native Alaskan; Hispanic or Latino; and Native Pacific Islander); eligible students have completed the 9^th grade.

All accepted students are accepted on scholarship ($1,350 tuition is waived). As part of their service as scholars, students have a community engagement responsibility, including a presentation at the end of their research experience and help to recruit and support future STAR scholars.

Application Process and Requirements:

• Create an account on the summer camps page and register for STARS
• On the payment page, select the “request scholarship” link at the bottom of the page.
• Application is a selective process. Once your application and teacher recommendation are received, we will reach out to you for a personal statement (500 words or less).
• Transportation: Student’s parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from the camp in Cold Spring Harbor (9:00 a.m. drop off, 4:00 p.m. pickup). If there is a hardship, funds may be available to provide transportation alternatives, including bussing.

Contact STARS staff at STARS@cshl.edu with questions.