Research Preparation Workshops
The workshops in our Research Preparation Track are our most advanced programs for high school students, teaching them professional research techniques used by scientists around the world. Students are equipped with the tools and hands-on experience to conduct independent research at school and beyond.
In today’s competitive academic landscape, real-world research skills are essential for students looking to stand out on college applications and secure internships. Our programs prepare students to launch their own independent projects at school or join our academic-year student research program to conduct original, teacher-supervised research. Students who take these courses will also gain a strong competitive edge for premier science fairs like ISEF and Science Talent Search.
Workshops in This Track
Green Genes
Students take on the role of molecular biologists to clone a gene and purify a glowing protein (GFP from Pacific jellyfish), using the same techniques employed by the pharmaceutical industry to produce human insulin. Each day’s experiments build toward extracting and purifying a jellyfish protein from genetically engineered bacteria.
Grades
Entering grade 8 (World of Enzymes alumni) or grade 9
Locations
All DNALC locations
DNA Barcoding
A project-based course in species identification and conservation using DNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Students will design and implement an open-ended investigation and analyze their results with the same bioinformatics tools used by professional scientists.
Grades
Entering grades 10–12
Locations
Cold Spring Harbor + Brooklyn + Westchester + Virtual On-Demand
DNA Science
This rigorous molecular biology course builds mastery in core research skills used to precisely manipulate the DNA molecule, including gene cloning, bacterial transformation and gel electrophoresis. This is the foundational prerequisite for the most advanced workshops in the track.
Grades
Entering grades 10–12
Locations
All DNALC locations
Synthetic Biology (Course Full)
This new workshop uses emerging techniques in gene editing and genome construction to reprogram simple living things—blending biology, engineering, and computer science to design and build functional biological systems.
Grades
Entering grades 10–12 (advanced coursework or prior camp required)
Locations
Brooklyn (DNALC NYC) only
BioCoding
This bioinformatics workshop bridges the lab bench and the computer terminal, teaching students the programming skills necessary to analyze and interpret complex biological data including DNA sequences and genomic datasets. No prior coding experience required.
Grades
Entering grades 11–12; DNA Science or equivalent required (documentation required)
Locations
Cold Spring Harbor + Brooklyn
Genome Science
Participants investigate human genetic variation and ancestry using core techniques like PCR alongside modern DNA sequencing, utilizing bioinformatics to explore real-world clinical and agricultural applications.
Grades
Entering grades 11–12; DNA Science or AP Biology required (documentation required)
Locations
Cold Spring Harbor + Brooklyn + Westchester + Virtual on-demand
Sequence a Genome
In our most advanced program, students perform real-time DNA sequencing using portable nanopore technology, then assemble and analyze full genome sequences using bioinformatics and data science. Students take home real sequencing data they generated themselves.
Grades
Entering grades 11–12; DNA Science + one other advanced camp required
Locations
Cold Spring Harbor + Brooklyn
Science Technology & Research Scholars (STARS) Program (Course Full)
STARS is a selective, fully funded two-week immersion program for students who have completed 9th grade and live in the NY Metropolitan Area. Scholars will complete modules that develop technical skills including DNA barcoding, bioinformatics, gel electrophoresis, and coding, in addition to soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Participants also receive mentorship from CSHL scientists and present their work at a closing symposium. All accepted students attend on full scholarship — the $1,400 tuition is entirely waived.
Scholar responsibilities: End-of-program research presentation and participation in recruiting future STARS scholars.
Contact: dnalc@cshl.edu
Eligibility
Completed grade 9+; NY Metro area residents
Locations
Cold Spring Harbor + Brooklyn
Schedule
Mon–Fri, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., two weeks
Application deadline
Priority: April 10, 2026. Rolling review until full.
How to apply
Register on the camps site, open “Request Scholarship” at checkout. Teacher recommendation + 500-word personal statement required.
New for 2026: Microcredentials
Skills-based Microcredentials
Select workshops in the Research Prep Track now offer targeted preparation for industry-recognized microcredentials issued by the Biosciences Core Skills Institute (BCSI). These credentials prove to college admissions officers and lab directors that students possess the technical competencies required by modern research labs.
Locations
Each of our research prep workshops are available at one or more of the following DNALC locations. Please consult the page for each workshop to see where it is offered.
Dolan DNA Learning Center, 334 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
DNALC NYC at City Tech, 2 Tillary St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
(Serves: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island)
Regeneron DNALC, 1 Rockwood Rd, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.
In partnership with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals; serves Westchester, Hudson Valley, NJ, and CT.
DNALC at PCBIC, 45 Reinhardt Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
Serves: Passaic, Bergen, Essex, and Morris counties, NJ
Scholarships and Discounts
Need-based scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available to families who provide documentation of household income. One scholarship per student per summer; a second may be requested after completing a first camp. Email dnalc-camps@cshl.edu.
Sibling discount
Enroll more than one child from the same family and each additional child receives $25 off tuition. Applied automatically after the first enrollment is paid.
Early bird discount
Applications submitted before the early bird deadline (typically end of February) qualify for reduced tuition. Applications received after that date are subject to standard pricing.
Refer a friend
Share your personal referral code with friends. You receive a $25 credit per successful referral (up to $100 maximum), applied as a refund in September. The referred family receives an instant discount at checkout. Applies to in-person camps only.
Employee discounts
Employees of CSHL, CUNY/City Tech, Regeneron, and Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) are eligible for a tuition discount. Use your institutional email when creating your account.
BioCoding scholarship
A dedicated scholarship is available for students with ancestry in Latin America, including Mexico, Central, and South America. See the BioCoding camp page to apply.
Note: Discounts and scholarships cannot be combined with each other. The STARS program carries its own full scholarship (tuition entirely waived) and is separate from all of the above. For questions, contact dnalc-camps@cshl.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to take every camp in the track in order?
- No—but most advanced camps have prerequisites. Green Genes requires completion of World of Enzymes (or entering grade 9). DNA Science and DNA Barcoding are the gateway to the higher-level workshops: BioCoding and Genome Science both require DNA Science (or equivalent documentation). Sequence a Genome requires DNA Science plus one additional advanced camp. We recommend reviewing each camp page for its specific prerequisites before enrolling.
- What are microcredentials, and how do they work?
- Microcredentials are short, targeted certifications that validate specific technical competencies—in this case, lab skills used in real research settings. Select Research Prep workshops now include preparation for credentials issued by the Biosciences Core Skills Institute (BCSI), an independent credentialing body. After completing the qualifying camp, eligible students can pursue certification that documents their skills in a format recognized by industry professionals.
- Do students produce an independent research project?
- These workshops are preparatory in nature; rather than directly producing a final research project, they equip students with the skills and techniques necessary for future investigations. Additionally, the sessions generate preliminary data that can serve as the foundation for a new research project—whether conducted at school, within one of our research programs, or submitted to competitive science fairs such as ISEF or the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
- What grade level do I need to be?
- The Research Prep Track is designed for high school students. Green Genes begins at entering grade 8 (for World of Enzymes alumni) or grade 9; all other camps are for students entering grade 10 or higher, with several restricted to grades 11–12. Advanced coursework or equivalent documented experience may be accepted in place of camp prerequisites.
- How do I apply for a scholarship?
- For need-based scholarships, create a parent/guardian account on the summer camps site, enroll in your desired workshop, and at the payment page open the “Request Scholarship” drop-down and complete the form. You will need to send a web-based form to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator who can endorse your child’s application. You will then need to email income documentation to dnalc-camps@cshl.edu. For STARS (full-tuition scholarship), the same process applies but admission is selective and requires a teacher recommendation plus a personal statement of 500 words or less.
- Can I cancel or change my enrollment?
- If you have not yet paid, you can cancel directly from your My Account page. For paid enrollments, cancellation requests must be received at least three weeks before the session start date to be eligible for a refund. Requests can be submitted via your account page, by emailing dnalc-camps@cshl.edu, or by written letter to DNA Learning Center – Summer Camps, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724.