Dr. Chun
UCSF Assistant Professor in Bio-E and Therapeutic Sciences
"The program has been a wonderful experience—the students in the program showed great initiative and made meaningful contributions to their research projects. I look forward to supporting it again!"
Mrs. Patil
Senior Software Engineer
University of Michigan
" I truly enjoyed mentoring students through Roots in Research. It was rewarding to help them develop hypotheses, answer their questions, and support them in preparing their presentations. It was wonderful to see students make a sincere effort to learn about the research process, and their enthusiasm made the experience especially meaningful."
Dr. Chalasani
Professor at Salk Institute | Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory
"This was an amazing experience. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting exceptional high school students from all over the country. Best wishes."
Dr. Zuñiga
SDSU Assistant Professor of Biology (Computational Bio)
"It is motivating to see how young scientists are taking the lead to train the new generation of undergraduate scholars. The program was excellent with relevant research topics."
Dr. Nguyen
UCSD Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
"I am pleased to participate in the StemMed program to mentor rising high-school students. The program provides much-needed opportunities for the students to learn about the research process and participate in research projects. I look forward to mentoring the students to learn about engineering-focused careers."
Professor Dagdas
Heidelberg University | Department of Evolutionary Cell Biology
"Mentoring students through Roots in Research was a genuinely enjoyable experience. I found it especially rewarding to support them as they developed their ideas, explored their questions, and built their presentations. It was inspiring to see their sincere interest in understanding the research process, and their enthusiasm made the program all the more meaningful.”
A Quick Video!
*Note: dates mentioned in the video are inaccurate. Refer to the calendar below or the dates listed above.
Roots In Research
Are you a high school student, whether a freshman or senior, looking to gain real research experience?
The Roots in Research Program is run by StemMed Students, a student-led non-profit committed to empowering underserved high school students (low-income, students of color, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups) with meaningful STEM opportunities.
🌟 What is the Program?
This is a 5-week, fully virtual research experience designed for underserved high school students.
With only 54 spots available, early applications are highly encouraged!
Top performing teams will earn the opportunity to intern in a real research lab.
🔬 How It Works:
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You'll be matched with a STEM professor based on your interests.
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Work in a team of 3 to create a research symposium poster under your mentor's guidance.
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Present your final poster to a panel of professors in the last session.
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Exceptional teams will be selected for internships in the professors' research labs.
🗓 Program Details:
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Runs from June 29 to July 30
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4-6 PM PST on scheduled dates seen below on calendar
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You'll also work with your team outside of sessions on weekly assignments
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Support and mentorship provided by both team leads and professors
Please do NOT apply if you already have prior research experience, as this program is designed to prioritize students who have not yet had the opportunity.
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Introduction to Hypothesis
Overview of scientific method and what makes a strong hypothesis. Hands-on group activity to form and evaluate research questions with break out sessions and live feedback.
Lecture Topics
Intro to Research & Literature Review
Understanding literature review and how to do them accurately and effectively. Learning to use tools like Google scholar, DOI citation, review hypotheses, and begin drafting research on said hypothesis, including methodology. This meeting is expected to extend beyond the standard 2 hour meeting length.
Lecture Topics
Methods and Impact
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Lecture Topics
Professor Quick Chat
Check your presentations and background research by asking your assigned professor mentors feedback in real time. Ask your professors any questions still boggling your mind.
Lecture Topics
Presentation skills & Mock Symposium
Dive into symposium-style presentations with effective communication and proper language. Plan speaking roles and finalize presentations. Practice presenting in front of Branch leads before the final presentation. Live feedback and final adjustments before concluding the program.
Lecture Topics
Final Symposium w/ Professionals
Present your final research project with your team members and gain the chance to become a research intern at one of their labs!
Lecture Topics
Calendar
Summer 2026 Schedule:
June 29th - July 30th
@ 4pm-6pm PST
Meeting 2
Literature Review
July 3rd
4pm-6pm PST
Meeting 3
Methods & Impact
July 6th
4pm-6pm PST
Meeting 4
Professor Quick Chat
July 10th
4pm-6pm PST
Meeting 5
Demonstrating Impact
July 13th
4pm-6pm PST
Meeting 6
Presentation Skills
July 20th
4pm-6pm PST
Meeting 7
Mock Symposium
July 23rd
4pm-6pm PST
Meeting 1
Hypothesis & Onboarding
June 29th
4pm-6pm PST
Meeting 8
Final Symposium
July 30th
4pm-6pm PST
Previous Professors
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Roots In Research Participants
Felisha Zhu
Fall 2025
"I would highly recommend this program because I was challenged in a plethora of ways. Although this may seem daunting, the mentors were kind and patient, teaching me skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my career."
Mauricio Silva
Fall 2025
"I enjoyed this program because it gets you out of your comfort zone and interact with others far away from you. I recommend this program to improve your research skills and expand your knowledge :)"
Alejandra Ortega
Summer 2025
"This program gives students valuable exposure to research and how projects work, an opportunity many don’t typically get. Its structure helped me reach my goals and can benefit many others too."
Kwame Yeboah
Summer 2025
"This program was a very enlightening experience into the world of research and has definitely been a stepping stone for my research projects, would absolutely recommend!"
Kelven Adu Yeboah
Summer 2025
"I would recommend this program to students new to STEM or research. It builds a strong foundation by teaching skills like research basics, symposium planning, and presenting."
Mary Henry
Summer 2025
"I’d recommend this program because it’s free, flexible, and supportive. Team leads were available, and it was a great way to connect with professors, peers, and dive into research."
Samika Singh
Fall 2025
"I had an incredible experience; their mentorship and structured approach made complex topics feel exciting and accessible. I recommend this program because it strengthened my research skills and also made me confident in my presenting and thinking critically."
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