Stan-X Summer Program
Tired of learning science only by reading and memorizing and examination?
Then join our Stan-X Summer Program to learn science through hands-on experiments! We offer unique opportunities for students to perform genetics and gene editing with CRISPR to generate novel transgenic fruit flies. Participants learn essential information to perform original biology experiments using a curriculum developed and honed by Stan-X instructors in courses at elite secondary schools, and at Oxford, Stanford, and Harvard. Whether you're a budding scientist or simply curious about the genetic engineering revolution, our program promises an enriching, unforgettable and potentially life-changing summer - where discovery and education meet fun and innovation.
What:
Use CRISPR to target the genes of fruit flies, to generate unique strains desired by the community of science. Learn anatomy and microdissection to image tissues and cells, and to characterize your unique fruit fly strain. Be mentored in planning, executing and interpreting biology experiments. We will coach you to present your science to others, projecting mastery and command of the work. Read some student testimonials below!
WHO WE ARE:
We are a team of researchers and educators based at Stanford University, engaged in modern biology investigations and passionate about teaching. Our expertise in genetics, CRISPR, developmental biology, gene regulation and mentoring has culminated in the Stan-X programs, which since 2011 have trained over 2100 secondary school and university students to plan, execute, and interpret experiments, and to report their discoveries. Our students have published their findings in professional journals, demonstrating that science performed and learned with the Stan-X curriculum is genuine and original. You will be trained by a team that includes: Seung Kim, Stanford professor; Nicole Lantz, director of Stan-X at the Lawrenceville School; and Stanford researcher-educators like Arjun Rajan and Dr. Sangbin Park. With a commitment to excellence in education and research, we aim to introduce the element of discovery - the true foundation of science - to curious learners, including those who aspire to join the community of scientists and innovators. At our summer session, you'll learn from the best, using a proven curriculum with real-world applications, and join a community that shares your passion for discovery.
WHO SHOULD APPLY:
Current high schoolers or recent high school graduates with an interest in biology who want to do independent research to generate original publication-quality data, instructed by a team of professional scientists and educators including Professor Seung Kim, with >20 years' experience training students using fruit fly genetics, cell and developmental biology. Preference given to students who have completed an advanced high school science course, preferably in the field of biology.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Dates: June 7-July 16, 2027
Location: Palo Alto High School Science Building, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA
Days and Hours of instruction: Mondays to Fridays (students choose either a morning or afternoon session)
AM session 9AM-12PM (10 students maximum)
PM session 1-4 PM (10 students maximum)
Choice of either the morning or afternoon session goes to earliest successful applicants until filled.
Instructors: Stanford professor and scientists, teaching assistants
Tuition: $8,000
HOW TO APPLY
Stage 1: Complete (1) the basic application, including recommender's name and email, (2) request a recommender to provide an assessment, and (3) upload your most recent transcript (starting in 9th grade). All materials must be received by February 1, 2027 at experimentalsciencenow@gmail.com
Stage 2: you will be notified of selection by end of February.
Questions? Please email us at experimentalsciencenow@gmail.com
Testimonials from prior students:
This is a very well–designed course in fly genetics, with a good mix of lecture–/reading–based instruction and real experimental work. The instructors are helpful and are dedicated to helping students learn.
I wanted to be a biological researcher in the future, and this course was able to strengthen my dream and desire. This course was very inspiring, especially since the professors also work in labs. The TAs were able to provide information on universities/career paths. Best course ever.
I learned so much over the course of this term, and I really loved getting hands on experience and seeing all our theory actually happened in real life.