A fantastic way to break down barriers leading to a STEM research career is by getting involved directly with a research lab while still in high school or early in your undergraduate education.  

Laboratory Learning Program

Each summer my lab participates in the Laboratory Learning Program.  Typically I accept 1-3 students. Applications must be submitted before mid-March! See Students & Advising link above to learn more about prior students. I strongly encourage  applications by students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in graduate education or STEM employment. 

This program provides a  full-time, free research experience in the sciences high school students. Students are included in ongoing research programs or can develop a custom project . The participation dates are customized according to the schedules of the research personnel and intern and the specifics of the project. Internships typically span 6-9 weeks over the summer and can be extended in some cases.

**The Laboratory Learning Program is not a summer camp. The Laboratory Learning Program does not include housing, transportation, social activities or entertainment. LLP students are not eligible to lease or sublease Princeton University housing.

• Sixteen years old or more by starting date. No exceptions.

• Enrolled in high school. Graduates who have not yet turned 18 by start of program may apply.  

• US citizens, legal permanent residents, or international students currently in the United States attending a US high school. 

• Once accepted, parental consent forms, evidence of health insurance, and a high school nomination form are required before attending the program.

• Safety training is required prior to beginning laboratory work.

• Two-page research summary report is due at the conclusion of the program.

Princeton policy for programs Involving minors

Project examples:

• Aaron Serianni & Bo Deng (2018): Deep Learning Algorithms for following zebra fish growth (publication in progress)

• Nishant Mishra (2019): Development of multi-channel microfluidic pump controller; Deep learning of 3D texture images

• Angela Li (2015): Construction of a light-sheet imaging flow cytometer (presented at 2016 Biophysical Society meeting)

Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Each summer my lab participates in the NSF funded  REU program for Molecular Biophysics  If you are an undergraduate in the freshman or sophomore year of study in chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics who is interested in biology but has limited research opportunities at your local institution (esp. community colleges), I encourage you to check out this amazing program. There is both financial support and housing provided.

Project Examples:

• Eyoel  Demissie (2018) :  Agent Based Modeling of protein aggregation and dis-aggregation (selected for presentation at 2018 Council on Undergraduate Research symposium in Washington, DC) 

• John Martin (2014) : Connection of UVC exposure to endocytosis of protein aggregates 

Phy 108 :  Physics for the Life Sciences

Phy108 is a new approach to teaching Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences.  This 1-semester course is driven by in-class, hands-on  demos run by students working in  small groups. These ~5 minute demos lay the foundation for forming and changing intuition about the physical behavior of the world.  The course is presented in four  3-week  modules covering a range of topics found in a traditional 1-year sequence:  Optics; Electricity, Magnetism, and Radiation; Fluids; Oscillations.  There are eight labs over the term. This class has no prerequisites and can be taken before or after other first semester introductory physics courses (e.g. PHY101 or PHY103).  Acceptable for premedical requirements as well as most department requirements. Spring semester only.    SEL

Phy 115 :  Physics for Future Leaders

More than ever, the next generation of leaders need a solid understanding of science and the principles underlying modern technology. This course places the fundamental concepts in physics into the framework of modern issues.  Taught in the fall semester only.  SEN & SEL versions 

Phy 101/102 :  Introductory Physics

The standard 2-semester introductory physics sequence covering kinematics, force, energy, momentum, etc.  Eight laboratory sessions.  Acceptable for premedical requirements as well as all department requirements. 101 Fall , 102 Spring only.

FRS  :  Light, Camera, Action!

A first year seminar taught from 2010-2014 where students investigated light and the way humans interact with it. Local field trips included demonstrations at McCarter theater by the lighting director and a day of investigation how the perception of artwork at the Princeton art museum depends on much more than just the colors of paint used.

Mol 475  :  Workshop in Biological Imaging

A small group junior/senior lab class where students learned to build with optical elements and, as a final project, constructed their own confocal microscope.