Science Research Mentoring Program

The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) offers high school students the opportunity to join ongoing research projects lead by AMNH scientists. Students interested in applying to SRMP must first take two Research AMNH courses within the same school year through our After School Program (new for Class of 2020).

SRMP students conduct authentic scientific studies in one of two tracks: Physical Science or Life Science. Students in the Life Science track have the opportunity to conduct research on a broad variety of topics including cultural and biological anthropology, conservation science, evolutionary biology, genetics and genomics, taxonomy, and systematics. Physical Science students can conduct research in Earth and Planetary Science and Astrophysics.

Research AMNH Courses are prerequisites for SRMP

• SRMP has two research tracks: Life Science and Physical Science
• To be eligible to apply to SRMP, students must have completed or be on track to complete 2 Research AMNH courses (new for Class of 2020). Exploratory AMNH courses do not count towards the SRMP prerequisites.
• When applying to SRMP, applicants must indicate if they wish to be considered for a Life Science project, a Physical Science project, or both.
• Students must have taken at least one Research course in the track to which they are applying. For example:
  • Completed 2 Life Science courses = You are only eligible to apply for a Life Science SRMP project
  • Completed 2 Physical Science courses = You are only eligible to apply for a Physical Science SRMP project
  • Completed 1 Life Science course + 1 Physical Science course = You are eligible to apply for a Life Science OR a Physical Science SRMP project
• Please note that completion of two or more courses does not guarantee acceptance.
• Breakdown of classes by research track:
  • Physical Science Classes: Wonderful Universe; Stars; Secrets of the Solar System; Dynamic Earth
  • Life Science Classes: Mechanisms of Evolution; Tree of Life; Molecular Genetics; Research Methods in Conservation Biology; Human Origins; Culture, Language, and Society in the 21^st Century; Digital Archaeology

Students who are accepted into SRMP must commit to:

• A three-week summer institute (last three weeks of August)
• At least 4 hours/week working in the science lab during the school year
• Monthly advisory meetings, usually held on a Friday afternoon
• Participation in our annual Student Research Colloquium

Benefits of SRMP:

• Opportunity to conduct a real research project
• Join a community of students, scientists, and educators passionate about science
• Exposure to careers in science
• Develop a professional relationship with scientists at the museum
• College prep opportunities, including free Kaplan test prep courses, visits to college campuses, and college application support
• Stipend
• Continuing support for SRMP Alumni

Applications for SRMP Class of 2019 are now closed.

Applications for SRMP Class of 2020 will open in January 2019.

Click Here for a Description of Projects from the SRMP Class of 2017

CREDITS

Support for the Science Research Mentoring Program at the American Museum of Natural History is provided by Christopher C. Davis, The Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund; The Pinkerton Foundation; the Bezos Family Foundation; the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; the Solon E. Summerfield Foundation; Inc.; and the Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation.

Complimentary test preparation and college admissions support for program participants is generously provided by