http://codeconnects.org/research.html Code Connects | Research

Summer Research Program

Develop data science skills | Conduct research with university faculty | Increase college competitiveness


Grades: Incoming 10-12th + College Freshmen


Learn data science - one of the fastest growing fields of CS

Participate in research projects utilizing data analysis

Receive mentorship from university faculty and PhDs

Increase college competitiveness

About the Program

Data science is one of the world’s most sought after skills and has applications in nearly every field, from public health to artificial intelligence to business. This program offers an unprecedented opportunity for a select group of high school students to develop tangible technical skills and to work alongside professors and PhD candidates while conducting research utilizing their newly developed data analysis skills. This five-week program is divided into two parts. In Weeks 1-2, students are trained in data science, developing skills in data visualizations, data cleaning, and data analysis. In Weeks 3 - 5, students put their data science skills into action while assisting PhD researchers with real-life research projects that are overseen by university professors.

What Students Learn

During this Research Program, students will serve as an actual research assistant to Dr. Kellar, Associate Professor and Sarah Parker, PhD researcher. Students will perform research tasks on projects that Dr. Kellar and her team of residents are currently working on that will eventually be presented at medical conferences and potentially published in medical journals. Students will also learn invaluable data science skills which will enable them to assist in Dr. Kellar’s research and also prove applicable to whatever field the student chooses to pursue in their future - whether that is sports, medicine, politics, architecture, finance or beyond.

  • Data Analysis
  • Data Visualization
  • Web scraping
  • Data cleaning
  • Research protocol
  • Collaboration with university staff

Program Benefits

Research Programs created by professors and researchers at:

Wright State University MIT UNC

Head Professor

Dr. Lisa Kellar

Research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Kellar, Associate Professor at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University. Wright State University is a Carnegie-classified research university conducting cutting-edge research & development for the NIH, NSF, AFRL, DARPA & ONR on a global scale.

Lead Instructor

Sarah Parker

Data Science instruction and daily research task assignments will be led and overseen by Sarah Parker, PhD researcher in the Genetics Department at the University of North Carolina. The University of North Carolina is one of the top five federal research institutions in the United States and is known for its innovative approach to conducting research.

Sarah is a PhD candidate at the University of North Carolina pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. She previously graduated from Pepperdine University with a BS in Biology and a minor in Computer Science. Her main interests lie in developing computational tools to aid in biological research and scientific communication. Some of her projects include a pipeline for the virtual screening process of drug discovery and a computer game to promote the conservation of giant kelp. Currently, she is developing genomics software, including a project to predict pairs of genes and the genomic elements that regulate them. Some of her other hobbies include baking, singing, and SCUBA diving.

How to Apply

Due to the overwhelming interest in this Research Program and rigor of the material, students are required to submit a Statement of Interest when filling out the registration form.

The Statement of Interest should be 300-500 words that highlights your interest in learning data science and conducting research, future university and career aspirations, and any other relevant information.

Note: We do not expect students to have experience in research or STEM. We are looking for students with passion, interest and curiosity to learn more about these fields.

Steps to Apply

  1. Complete the application and upload the Statement of Interest at the link below.
  2. Applicants are not required to submit payment at the time of application.
  3. Applicants will be notified via email on a rolling basis.
  4. If your child is selected, acceptance and tuition will be due within 72 hours.

Logistics

Grades

Incoming 10th - 12th graders and college freshmen

Prerequisites

No prior STEM experience required

Dates

5-week program: July 5 - August 6
Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm PST + Independent work

Cost

$4495.00

*Need-based scholarships are available