Stony Brook High School Summer Internships: A Gateway to Research Excellence

For high school students eager to delve into the world of scientific research, Stony Brook University offers a transformative summer internship experience. The Simons Summer Research Program, established in 1984, provides a unique opportunity for talented students to work alongside leading researchers and contribute to cutting-edge projects. This program, which began as a local outreach initiative, now draws talented applicants from across the nation to Stony Brook's vibrant academic environment.

The Simons Summer Research Program: An Immersive Research Experience

The Simons Summer Research Program places selected students, known as Simons Fellows, in research groups or teams under the guidance of Stony Brook faculty mentors. These fellows are entrusted with project responsibilities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. The culmination of their apprenticeship involves the creation of a written research abstract and a research poster, showcasing their accomplishments and findings.

Beyond the practical research experience, Simons Fellows benefit from a rich program of supplementary activities. They attend weekly research talks given by faculty members, exposing them to a diverse range of scientific topics and research methodologies. Special workshops, tours, and events further enhance their learning and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Program Structure and Key Components

Faculty Mentorship and Research Projects

The core of the Simons Summer Research Program lies in the close collaboration between students and faculty mentors. Students are integrated into research groups, where they actively participate in ongoing projects. This immersive experience allows them to learn valuable techniques, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute meaningfully to scientific discovery.

Weekly Research Talks and Special Events

To broaden their exposure to different areas of research, Simons Fellows attend weekly talks by Stony Brook faculty members. These talks cover a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines, providing students with insights into the latest advancements and research trends. In addition, the program organizes special workshops, tours, and events designed to enhance their learning and foster a sense of community.

Read also: On-Campus Job Openings

Written Research Abstract and Research Poster

At the end of the program, Simons Fellows are required to produce a written research abstract and a research poster. These deliverables serve as a tangible record of their research contributions and provide them with valuable experience in scientific communication. The research poster presentation offers an opportunity to share their findings with the broader scientific community and receive feedback from experts in their field.

Residential Life and Campus Experience

The Simons Summer Research Program offers both residential and commuter options. Participants can choose to live on campus with other student researchers, immersing themselves in the university environment. Housing arrangements are available for the entire seven weeks of the program, including weekends.

Students who opt for on-campus housing are typically assigned to a double room in a university residence hall. It is important to note that residential students (minors) are not permitted to bring a car to campus.

Campus dining provides a meal card/declining balance plan for both residents and commuters. This allows students to pay a la carte for their meals, choosing from a variety of options such as pizza, wraps, salad bar, burgers, yogurt, cereal, and soup.

Admission and Application Requirements

Mentor and Research Area Selection

Applicants selected for the program will be assigned to mentors and research groups based on their interests and qualifications. As part of the online application, applicants are asked to select their top three choices of preferred mentors and areas of research interest.

Application Components

A complete application for the Simons Summer Research Program includes the following components:

Online Application: The online application form gathers information about the applicant's academic background, research interests, and personal statement.
Student Transcript: Applicants are required to upload their student transcript with the online application to demonstrate their academic performance.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from teachers, preferably in math or science, are required to assess the applicant's potential for success in the program.
School Nomination: A nomination from a designated high school official is required to ensure that the applicant is a strong candidate for the program.

Important Notes Regarding Application

Please check back later for more details regarding residential housing costs and/or housing policies, and application forms (summer '24).

Health and Safety Requirements

Students admitted to the Simons Summer Research Program are required to provide documentation of their vaccination status, including both COVID vaccine and booster, before engaging in on-campus work. They must also adhere to all University COVID policies, which may include proof of a negative test prior to the start date, surveillance testing, and masking. Further details regarding health and safety requirements will be provided to accepted students at a later date. Vaccine documentation is not required at the time of application submission.

Upon admission, the program will require further proof of insurance, waivers regarding liability, emergency contact forms, etc.

The Broader Impact

The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook High School serves as a catalyst for aspiring scientists, providing them with invaluable research experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities. By participating in this program, students gain a competitive edge in their college applications and are better prepared to pursue careers in STEM fields. The program also contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge by engaging talented young minds in cutting-edge research.

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