School of Science Summer Research Program

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We welcome all current SMC Science students to apply to become a part of our Summer Research Program. Within the ten-week program, students will work in close collaboration with their choice of a faculty advisor. Students spend the summer (typically after their sophomore or junior year) gaining first-hand experience with genuine scientific research, either on a part of the advisor's ongoing research program or on a project created by the student.

Thanks to the generous donations, the following awards are available for students: 

  • Mal and Sylvia Boyce Scholar Award
  • Robert W. and Beverly J. Summers Research Award

The Summer Research Program includes a variety of activities during the summer, including barbecues, research meetings, field trips, and various social events. The work culminates with the submission of a formal written research report, an oral presentation, and presentation of results at the Brousseau poster session held on campus each fall.

Students participating in the Brousseau poster session may be selected to present their work at various national and local conferences, including the annual meetings of Sigma Xi and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Summer Research Application Process

Participation in the program is awarded through a School-wide competition. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of $5000, housing on campus, and a budget for supplies and expenses.  

Informational session is linked below. Q&A included.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DErAVeH26k

The 2024 Summer Research Application is closed.

Please contact Professor Aaron Lee via email at atl8@stmarys-ca.edu if you have questions about the Program.

SRP student measuring air quality

Room to Breathe: Environmental Research Is Just Part of Desiree Sturrock’s Journey

Through the 2023 Summer Research Program, Sturrock has been studying the impact of port pollution on nearby communities. For her, the research is also one of many ways SMC allows her to “combine everything and make a place for myself.”

Professor Kitt Hopper and SRP Student Natalie Alaniz standing in front of research poster

Breast Cancer Research

Mentored by Biology Professor Khameeka Kitt-Hopper, Natalie Alaniz's (Biology '25) research focused on the role Asef, a specific cellular protein, plays in how quickly breast cancer cells multiply and spread, especially when influenced by Epidermal Growth Factor (a protein that can normally signal cells to grow and divide--a natural fertilizer for cells).

Beyond the Summer Research Program

In addition to the Summer Research Program at SMC, many students participate in research during the academic year. Furthermore, Saint Mary's students have been accepted into summer research programs at various colleges and universities across the country, and have successfully pursued internships in industry. 

For further exploration:

EduMed Online Guide to Summer Research & Internship Opportunities

Scientific Summer Research & Internships

National Science Foundation REU programs

Brooklyn College Summer Research Opportunities Database

Pathways to Science STEM Programs Page 

Summer Research Programs for Undocumented Students