6000+
Students mentored since 2020
4x
Our alumni are 4 TIMES more likely to be accepted to Ivy Leagues (20%) than the global average (5%)
50+
Academic journals that have published our students’ work
$1,800,000+
Financial Aid awarded to low-income students
Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Junior Explorer Program helps students work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about.
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF AMBITIOUS STUDENTS
Our students and mentors represent some of the most globally competitive institutions.
Lumiere Explorers
Lumiere PhD Mentors
LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR
Dr. Dhruva Bhat
Oxford PhD, Rhodes Scholar
Harvard College ’17
"As a kid, I remember asking questions that stumped my parents. They would always answer – but I could tell that I was just pressing at the edge of their knowledge.
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Looking back, I wish I had a mentor who was as nerdy as I was about my interests (in 7th grade it was economics for me!). That’s why I started Lumiere and our Junior Explorer program. In the program, you work 1-1 with a world-class expert to explore an area that excites you (I’m one of the mentors)!
Last year, we had over 5000 students apply to our programs. It’s not a great fit for all students – we’re usually best for ambitious and gifted students. But, for those for whom it makes sense, we’re excited to help you explore."
OUR PROGRAMS
Junior explorer program
Goal Output: Flexible, ranging from a high-school level research paper to a Harvard Business School-style case study
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Best for: Students taking their first step into research and independent projects
Duration: 8 weeks
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Individual Sessions with Mentor: 8
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Individual Sessions with Writing Coach: 2
junior research And publication program
Goal Output: Publication in a high-school or college-level academic journal
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Best for: Gifted students ready to dive deep into research and publish early
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Duration: 3 - 4 months of research,
1 - 4 months of publication
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Individual Sessions with Mentor: 15
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Individual Sessions with Writing Coach: 4
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Individual Sessions with Publication Specialist: 4
YOUR MENTORS
Over 1000 mentors from world-class universities excited to train the next generation of researchers.
BRENDON BULLARD
Harvard University
Ph.D. Candidate
Physics and Astrophysics​
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SPECIALIZATION
Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
WHAT OUR ALUMNI AND PARENTS SAY
Katherine, 8th grade,
Dover-Sherborn Middle School
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program taught me how to process, read, and write scientific literature— invaluable skills for anyone pursuing a STEM career. I would never have been able to learn this much on my own. It also helped me focus, work effectively with adults, and ask better questions.
I’ve used these skills to become a better student and explore new opportunities. This program has had a large impact on who I am today and who I hope to become as a STEM professional.
Research Topic: CRISPR Screens Identify Genetic Regulators of Immunotherapy Response
Mentor: Ashley, Ph.D, University of Michigan
Mukti, Amey’s mom, 6th grade,
Hillview Middle School​
“Amey was able to challenge himself and learned so much from his mentor. This experience pushed him to work harder, ask questions and dive into the field of gene mutations and possible treatments.​​
The discussions that he had with his mentor around the world of prime editing, ethics and morality is something he continues to think about as the field evolves."
Research Topic: The Application of Prime Editing in Curing Genetic Diseases (Hemochromatosis)
Mentor: Dongwook, Ph.D, University of Pennsylvania
Bruce, 8th grade,
Mary Institute Country Day School
I joined JEP because of my passion for finance and economics. The program gave me the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on equity and fixed-income performance, challenging traditional portfolio theories.
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Working with my mentor and looking at historical real-world financial data was an invaluable experience, helping me improve my analytical skills.
Research Topic: Sector Performance and Diversification: Analysis of Equity and Fixed-Income Correlations in the S&P 500
Mentor: Vicente, Ph.D, London Business School
