Project Detail
Research & Journal Publication
Design and execute an original research study under expert mentorship. Present your findings at science fairs or submit to peer-reviewed student journals. Build the kind of intellectual depth that admissions officers look for.
Upcoming Deadlines
Real results
Student Success Spotlight
See what some of our students have built and achieved through this project path.
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Grand Award WinnerRhea, 10th
ISEF Grand Award winner
Won a Grand Award at ISEF - top 50–100 projects in the world
Read Rhea's story →
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Special Award WinnerAnnie, 11th
Wins Special Award at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Specifically approached by a Caltech admissions officer who was impressed by her work!
Read Annie's story →Expert guidance
Mentors for This Project
Work one-on-one with a specialist who has experience bringing projects like this to life.
Kevin Gong
Science Fair Mentor - ISEF Grand Award Winner
Kevin remembers the nerves of his own first science fair - which is why his students walk into judging feeling ready, not rehearsed. He's been exactly where they are, just a few steps ahead: ~70% of the students he's coached have gone on to competitive science-fair success. (ISEF Grand Award Winner, researcher at Johns Hopkins.)
View Kevin Gong's profile →
Dr. Gayatri Sanku
Research Mentor - PhD, MPH · Physician-Scientist in Training
Dr. Sanku believes every student deserves a seat at the research table - especially the ones who don't see themselves there yet. She gives close, patient, iterative feedback until her mentees realize they can actually do this. Then she holds them to the same standards she holds herself. (PhD in Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown–NIH; first-author in Frontiers in Immunology.)
View Dr. Gayatri Sanku's profile →
Dr. Joy Li
Engineering & Research Mentor
Dr. Li has spent nine years at a lab bench, which means she's seen a thousand experiments fail before they worked - and that's exactly what she teaches students to expect and embrace. Kids leave her mentorship unafraid of the messy middle of real science. (PhD Biomedical Engineering, Duke; BS Cornell, Magna Cum Laude.)
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PhD · Worked for Senator John McCainDr. Joshua Lader
Research Mentor - Public Policy & Health Systems (PhD, FACHE)
Dr. Lader spent years in rooms where policy actually gets made - including on Senator John McCain's team - and what struck him most was how few young people ever learn how those rooms work. He mentors students who want to change systems, showing them how ideas become policy and policy becomes real life. (PhD, Public Policy; 15+ years in healthcare leadership.)
View Dr. Joshua Lader's profile →