16 Research and Summer Programs at University of Chicago

Summary

An immersive 10-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago. In the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor in various domains, including: computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. Through this pairing the research assistant will engage with and hone their skills in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. Eligible high school and undergraduate students, are paired with projects in the Social Impact Track (more details below). We encourage participation from a broad range of students, and require no prior research experience to apply.

Summary

This four-week intensive training program is designed to expose students to a broad range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological techniques currently used in research laboratories. Students are immersed in the research experience, giving them a taste of "life at the bench". Using a project-based approach, the course progresses from a survey of basic lab techniques to the application of current molecular techniques in developmental biology and microbiology. Most of a typical day in RIBS is spent in lab. Lectures will also be presented to provide background and introduce new concepts. Since communication skills are important in science, students will keep lab notebooks and they will make several group presentations. The course ends with a research forum in which the students present the results of their projects. Successful completion of the course will give participants the experience and confidence to work in a research laboratory.

Summary

This is a four-week intensive practicum in paleontology in Chicago and Wyoming. In Chicago, Dr. Grande and other Field Museum scientists will take you into the labs and galleries where they work and study as they introduce you to important concepts in geology, paleontological methods, stratigraphy, and earth history. In Wyoming, you will experience what life in the field is all about when you join the ongoing Field Museum expedition in the Green River Formation.

Summary

In this course, we will investigate how electrochemical and circuit activity in nervous systems contributes to sensation, perception, and various behaviors such as movement, language production, spatial navigation, emotional responses, sleep, and learning and memory. Our approach is inquiry-driven, involving close examination of primary data. Students will learn about experimental methods used in neuroscience research such as molecular DNA and protein sequence analysis, fluorescence microscopy of nervous tissue, and behavioral assays. By examining nervous systems across different phyla, we will also gain insights into the evolution history and inner workings of the human brain.

Summary

In these undergraduate-level courses, you will get personalized attention from faculty, researchers, and other professionals who will lead you through workshop discussions, research projects, and other hands-on activities. Whether you’re looking for creative writing workshops, preview courses in STEM fields, or to explore theories of economic policy, philosophy, and free expression., the University of Chicago’s summer Immersion courses offer you the opportunity to explore a topic of interest in-depth.

Summary

Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer is a cancer research training program for high school and college students interested in careers in biomedicine. For two consecutive summers, participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the university. Rigorous research training is complemented with a cancer-based summer lecture series, year-round career development and skill-building workshops, and a network of faculty and peer mentors dedicated to participants’ success. The program culminates in a research symposium to showcase participants’ work across basic, translational, clinical, and population-based areas of cancer research.

Summary

The RIBS (Research Intensive Biotechnology Summer) program is a focused and immersive four-week training program that aims to familiarize students with a variety of molecular biological techniques commonly employed in research laboratories. As a RIBS student, the majority of your class time will be spent in laboratory settings, where you will gain hands-on experience with various lab techniques and become acquainted with the laboratory environment. Furthermore, at the culmination of the program, you will have the opportunity to present your findings at a research forum, showcasing the knowledge and skills you have acquired. Completion of this course equips participants with the necessary experience and confidence to work effectively in a research laboratory, which can be a valuable asset for those considering pursuing STEM majors in college.

Summary

The Immersion programs are inclusive three-week residential courses designed to provide high school students with a firsthand experience of college education. These programs serve as UChicago's foundational summer offering for high school students and are open to a wide range of applicants. The program offers numerous course options, and for the upcoming 2023 summer, several courses have been listed. By participating in the program, students gain insight into the college lifestyle by living on campus and taking courses at the undergraduate level, mirroring the experience of UChicago students. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore the abundant resources available in the city of Chicago through field trips and campus events, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Summary

The Summer Language Institute presents a flexible six to eight-week remote program that enables participants to either begin learning a new language or continue their language studies. The classes are conducted with a diverse group of students, including current UChicago students, visiting undergraduate and graduate students. This program is highly advantageous for pre-college students, as it provides a head start in meeting foreign language requirements for various degree programs and offers a college-like environment even in a remote setting. The institute offers an extensive range of languages, encompassing both modern and ancient languages such as Arabic, French, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, German, American Sign Language, and Latin. By participating in the Summer Language Institute, students can enhance their language skills, broaden their cultural horizons, and prepare themselves for future academic pursuits.

Summary

This program aims to assemble a diverse cohort of talented high school students who share a passion for STEM fields. Its primary objective is to introduce participants to UChicago's research and academic prospects. The program structure consists of a week-long virtual mathematics course, followed by an exciting week on the UChicago campus. During the residential week, students engage in a variety of activities, including attending lectures in subjects like molecular engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Additionally, field trips to esteemed research facilities like the Argonne National Laboratory and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation are organized, offering participants an immersive and hands-on experience. Through this program, students gain valuable insights into UChicago's academic opportunities, explore cutting-edge research, and foster their passion for STEM fields.

Summary

The Voltage Scholars program offers a focused and intensive three-day, two-night experience for high school students who have a keen interest in economics. The program provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of both macroeconomics and microeconomics. Additionally, students have the valuable opportunity to gain insights into the selective college admissions process through interactions with UChicago admissions counselors. An added advantage of this program is that it runs parallel to an undergraduate program, enabling Voltage Scholars to network with current college students. This networking opportunity allows participants to engage with and learn from experienced individuals who are pursuing their studies in economics or related fields. Overall, the Voltage Scholars program offers a comprehensive experience that combines academic learning, college admissions guidance, and valuable networking opportunities to foster students' interest in economics and enhance their understanding of the college experience.

Summary

The program caters exclusively to high-achieving students who have a parent employed in a U.S. city, county, municipal, or state police or fire department. Its main objective is to offer these students a unique firsthand experience of life at a renowned research university. The program includes a diverse range of activities such as interdisciplinary classes, college application workshops, and visits to various research facilities. Beyond the academic component, participating students also get the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Chicago, attending improv shows, baseball games, architecture boat tours, and dining at esteemed local restaurants. Through this comprehensive program, students gain valuable insights into university life, receive guidance on college applications, and engage in interdisciplinary learning, all while enjoying the cultural and social experiences that Chicago has to offer.

Summary

The renowned program at UChicago is specifically designed to support students from rural or small-town schools in developing their skills in civic leadership and deliberation. Through immersive experiential learning activities, this course delves into the cultivation of collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship within your local community, with a focus on creating and presenting community-based business plans. Additionally, workshops on college admissions-related topics will be available, providing valuable insights and guidance for navigating the college application process. This program offers a comprehensive experience that empowers students from rural or small-town backgrounds to enhance their civic leadership skills, explore entrepreneurial opportunities, and acquire valuable knowledge about the college admissions journey.

Summary

The week-long enrichment program offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to the field of climate and energy policy, preparing them for future careers in this important area. Led by renowned faculty members from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the Becker Friedman Institute, and the Climate Impact Lab, the program provides a rigorous and engaging learning experience. Through discussion-based classes, readings, lectures, and collaborative hands-on projects, students delve into pressing current issues in climate and energy. They gain insights into the complexities of these topics, explore innovative solutions, and develop a deep understanding of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of climate and energy policies. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the ongoing efforts to address climate change and shape the future of energy policy.