Research experience opportunities hosted at the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Cornell University, and the USDA provide an excellent chance to gain research experience and explore if a scientific career or a biological major is right for you. Currently, BTI offers positions to students interested in plant science research and computational biology, and require no prior lab experience. Applications are accepted annually from November until the first Friday of March. Accepted students will join an international community of scientists in the pursuit of scientific discovery, learn valuable research skills, and attend seminars and workshops to learn from mentors in these fields.
Selected students will have at least one research mentor, typically consisting of a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher, and one faculty mentor. These individuals will train students as they work alongside their mentors to complete a predetermined project appropriate for the six-week program. Every Wednesday, students will join the Undergraduate Researchers for professional development lectures and discussions. They will also participate in local field trips or training. The program will culminate in a scientific symposium in August, where students will present their accomplishments from the summer via a scientific poster.
Housing and meals are not provided for high school students; they must provide their own transportation to and from BTI each day. The generosity of local donors supports all High School Research Interns.
Location(s)
- Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Schedule
- June 30th – August 7th, 2025
Cost/Compensation
Eligibility Requirements
- A current high school student, who is regional to Ithaca, NY year-round. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept students who are not within a reasonable commute of Ithaca, or are not year-round residents of the area. We consider a reasonable commute to be within ~1-hour away from Ithaca, NY.
- 16 years of age before the first day of the program
- Not graduated by the first day of the program, June 25th (graduating seniors not eligible)
Deadline
- March 31
Application or Entry Requirements
- Complete and submit the questions in the application form
- Include a 500 – 700 word essay explaining your interest in the research experience and potential career and educational aspirations
- Include a copy of your current (unofficial) transcript(s)
- Share two recommenders (name, phone, and email) who we can reach out to directly (your recommenders do not need to provide us a letter as part of the application process)
- Optional: Upload a copy of your resume
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
Boyce Thompson Institute is a life sciences research institution located in Ithaca, New York on the Cornell University campus. BTI scientists conduct investigations into fundamental plant and life sciences research with the goals of increasing food security, improving environmental sustainability in agriculture and making basic discoveries that will enhance human health.
