The YREP after-school program gives students the opportunity to pursue original research outside the traditional classroom. Most research groups meet once a week after school, though some advisors may also offer early morning meeting times. Scheduling is flexible and set by each faculty mentor based on their availability and the needs of their research team.

You can participate in after-school YREP in addition to taking a YREP course or joining a summer research team—or as a stand-alone experience. Whether you're just getting started or continuing a long-term project, after-school YREP gives you the chance to dig deeper into your work, collaborate with your research group, and move your project forward at your own pace.

Your level of involvement depends on your schedule and goals—there’s no one-size-fits-all path in YREP. What matters most is your curiosity, commitment, and willingness to learn.

Each summer, students have the opportunity to enroll in YREP courses offered through Ransom Everglades. These courses provide an immersive way to launch or deepen a research project. Offerings and durations vary year to year, but have included both YREP: Lasers and YREP: Sharks, giving students focused time to explore real-world scientific investigations in a collaborative environment.

YREP: Lasers

YREP: Lasers is an immersive physics research experience modeled after undergraduate research programs (REUs). Over the summer, students take full ownership of original research projects related to lasers, optics, and other areas of experimental physics. Working in small, collaborative groups and guided by Dr. Emily Grace, students learn to design experiments, troubleshoot real-world problems, and think like scientists. This course is ideal for students who want to explore physics in depth or experience what it’s like to do full-time research. The focus is on curiosity, creativity, and persistence—not perfection. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks and learn from failure as part of the research process. YREP: Lasers is open to both Ransom Everglades students and students from other schools.

Advanced Physics: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics

YREP extends into the classroom through courses like Advanced Physics: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics (EMO), where students conduct original research aligned with ongoing YREP projects. Rather than following traditional lab exercises, students write grant proposals, design and troubleshoot experiments, and engage deeply in the scientific process. The course employs a CURE (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience) model to offer authentic, hands-on research experiences within a high school setting. All students in EMO present their research findings at the Ransom Everglades Climate Change Symposium, sharing their work with the broader school community. The innovative structure of this course has been presented to great reviews at APS March Meeting 2024, APS Global Summit 2025, and APS DAMOP 2025.

Students enrolled in the course are not required to participate in the YREP after-school program. Still, those who wish to present at professional scientific conferences—such as the APS Global Summit—are encouraged to increase their involvement through additional work outside of school hours, including after-school and school break activities.

YREP: Bimini

Over spring breaks, students have the unique opportunity to travel with Dr. Heather Marshall and Dr. Kristine Stump to South Bimini, Bahamas, home to the renowned Bimini Biological Field Station—also known as the Bimini Shark Lab. At this world‑class shark research facility, students engage in hands‑on field work—snorkeling, tagging, observing, and collecting data on local shark species such as lemon sharks and Caribbean reef sharks. 

Set against turquoise waters and vibrant marine ecosystems, this once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience brings classroom lessons to life, immersing participants in authentic marine research and conservation.

Join us for a spring break adventure that blends science, exploration, and unforgettable encounters with ocean wildlife!