Top Research Opportunities for High School Students in Illinois

Research Opportunities for High School Students in Illinois
The top research programs available for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability
Psychology in Everyday Life
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In this program, students will be introduced to the field of brain science, including fundamental mental concepts, comprehensive theories, and basic research design. Over the course of a 7-day project, students will collect data, conduct analyses using Jamovi software, and present their findings to peers. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to meet and learn from current graduate students and staff at Illinois Tech.
EXPLORATIONS IN NEUROSCIENCE: NEURONS, BEHAVIOR, AND BEYOND
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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.
Illinois Institute of Technology: Psychology in Everyday Life
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The Psychology summer program is an opportunity for high school students to gain insights into psychology as a science. This program offers a glimpse into collegiate-level psychology studies, as well as how it contributes to self-understanding and the role of therapists. The program is structured around five themes, including an introduction day, multicultural psychology day, psychology research and technology day, introduction to psychotherapy day, and careers and admissions day. The multicultural day offers a chance to learn about the rich cultural history of Bronzeville, the psychology of gentrification, and how BuildBronzeville combats gentrification. In addition, learners will conduct their own research project, practice counseling skills, and gain insights into psychology careers.
Medill Cherubs
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Medill's journalism camp offers a five-week summer program for rising high school seniors seeking hands-on experience in print and digital broadcasting, writing, reporting, and editing. The program provides opportunities for students to work on trending topics, conduct interviews, and pitch articles to be published in the Daily Northwestern. Aspiring journalists from all over the world attend the program, and students are paired with mentors who critique their writing assignments. Participating in this program could enhance a student's profile, especially for those interested in applying to top journalism programs.
DSI Summer Lab
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The University of Chicago offers a 10-week summer research program, which is a paid opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to collaborate with a data science mentor in areas such as computer science, social science, public policy, climate and energy policy, materials science, and biomedical research. During the program, research assistants work closely with their mentors to improve their research skills, methodologies, and teamwork. Those who meet the eligibility requirements are assigned to projects in the Social Impact Track.
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