High School Emerging Researcher Experience
About Our Program:
High School Emerging Researcher Weihen (Lily) Chen captures a moment with her lab team beside her research poster at the MAPTA Summer Research Symposium.
About Our Program:
The High School Emerging Researcher Experience is designed to introduce a select group of academically outstanding juniors and seniors to the world of translational research. By working alongside undergraduate research interns, students will gain valuable insights into the research process. Each summer project will be selected by the mentor assigned to the student and their specific area of expertise. With access to Houston Methodist's renowned faculty, students receive mentorship that guides them through their summer projects and provides instruction on the laboratory techniques necessary for successful completion. The program concludes with a research symposium, where interns present poster presentations of their work.
Additionally, the High School Emerging Researcher Experience includes a career and professional development curriculum, equipping students with valuable tools for college applications. Through participation in intern events, such as the welcome reception, sporting events, seminars, and didactic lectures, each intern has the opportunity to experience both personal and professional growth.
Internship Guidelines & Requirements
All programs require a full-time commitment for the 8-week duration (June 8–July 31, 2026). Daily attendance is required of each student for a full 8-hour workday, approximately 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., except for the July 4th holiday. Please review our comprehensive FAQ for more information.
Eligibility:
- High school students who are currently in their junior or senior year and are 16 years of age are eligible to apply.
Application Requirements:
- Completed summer internship program application
- Two required essay questions and one optional
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current transcript (official or unofficial): The grades from your current academic year must be included for your transcript to be accepted. Your transcript MUST include your grades for the current 2025 fall semester.
- Resume
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
2025 High School Emerging Researcher Tess Pacetti presenting her research poster at the 2025 MAPTA Symposium.
Reflections from Our 2025 High School Emerging Researcher
Featured in this photo: James Williams, Junior at Shadow Creek High School
— James Williams, Shadow Creek High School
From day one, I was welcomed into a lab team that treated me like I belonged. I was learning alongside undergraduate and even graduate-level students, handling real data, asking real questions, and seeing how research translates into real solutions for patients. It was challenging, eye-opening, and inspiring all at once.
The mentorship I received made the biggest impact on me. My mentor didn't just explain procedures—he asked me what I thought, challenged me to analyze results, and encouraged me to find my own voice in the scientific process. That kind of support and belief in me built my confidence in a way I didn’t think was possible at this stage in my life.
This program didn’t just teach me about research; it gave me a vision for my future. I now know I want to pursue a career in science or medicine—not because it sounds good on paper, but because I’ve seen the impact it can have up close. I’m leaving this program feeling more prepared, more driven, and more certain of who I want to become.”