National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience

To be eligible, you must be either a current student enrolled at Waynesburg University or a current student enrolled in a 2-year college (community college).

Selection will be made based on the applicant’s documented level of aspiration for a career in biomedical research / science (younger students like freshmen are encouraged to apply if you plan to work on the project beyond the summer), interest in the project(s), prior research experience, competency in the lab, recommendation by other faculty, relevant grades, contribution to diversification of the STEM workforce, logistical and budgetary considerations, and fit for the research group. As this program is accountable to NSF and ultimately to the US taxpayers who fund NSF, only students who will be able to contribute well to the progress of the project will be selected. Contingent upon funding availability and feasibility, your NSF-supported status may be continued after the summer. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Suyama.

Particular preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate:

1. Being able to take initiative;
2. Interest in pursuing graduate education in STEM;
3. Availability and interest in continuing research at WU beyond the summer;
4. Ability to persevere through challenges; and
5. Lab competency in a research setting.

Selection considerations will be made holistically.

The deadline for submitting a completed application form is March 1, 2024.

Please send the 1) completed form, 2) your transcript (unofficial ok), and 3) your curriculum vitae to Tak Suyama (tsuyama@waynesburg.edu). Recommendation letter(s) should be submitted by March 14, 2024.

Late applications may be considered if there are not enough qualified applicants. Selected candidates will be given remote interviews.

You will be notified of the decision on or before April 22, 2024. The research program period is projected to be May 27 – July 26 (some flexibility may be granted). 

You must be currently enrolled as a junior in your high school or a senior high school student who has deposited at Waynesburg University to apply.

You also must be able to work full time from June 27 – July 26 on campus (there may be some flexibility with the dates).

An important part of the job of a scientist is to communicate the findings to others. The NSF research assistant is expected to give a presentation of his/her research experience to the peers at his/her high school and therefore must have the support of his/her high school. After the presentation, please share with us how it went!

Please email the completed form and a copy of your transcript (unofficial OK) to Dr. Tak Suyama (tsuyama@waynesburg.edu) by March 20, 2024 with a subject line “NSF High School Application”.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Suyama by email or phone (724-852-7731). Applications will be reviewed as they arrive.

Late applications may be considered if there are not enough qualified applicants. Top candidates will be given remote interviews. You will be notified of the decision before May 1.