Our Review of the Museum of Natural History's Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) for High Schoolers
Participating in research programs during high school is a good way to get a head start on learning the advanced skills and methodologies used in research. This research experience showcases your ability to handle advanced academic work, a skill valued by universities. These programs also help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, and they can help you clarify your academic and career interests.
If you're thinking about applying to competitive universities, participating in a program like the American Museum of Natural History’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) can give you an edge by demonstrating your commitment to learning outside the classroom.
What is the Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)?
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is a year-long scientific research experience for New York City high schoolers that pairs them with professional scientists to work on research projects in fields like biology, astronomy, and earth science. This program gives you the chance to contribute to real scientific studies while being paid to develop your research skills and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world.
The program is split between a 4-week summer session to help build your theoretical understanding of key concepts, followed by a full year of mentored research where you’ll work in a small group led by a research scientist at the museum. You can expect to learn how to formulate research questions, analyze data, and even present your findings at the SRMP Colloquium in June, all while working at an established institution.
The 155-year-old American Museum of Natural History is one of the most renowned museums in the world. It offers access to a range of resources and expertise, including scientific collections, state-of-the-art research laboratories, and expert mentors. Being involved in a program at AMNH adds prestige to your academic profile as you are working at an institution known for its scientific research and educational programs. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a field that may shape your future academic and career paths.
How is the Museum of Natural History’s SRMP structured?
SRMP is a rigorous program that spans a full academic year, starting from the summer and extending through the rest of the school year. Here’s how it’s structured:
SRMP Summer Institute: This is the first part of the program, a 4-week summer session that also includes a 4-day fieldwork trip to Black Rock Forest. In 2024, it took place from August 5 to August 31, from Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This part of the program is a primer meant to teach you the basics of research techniques, expose you to in-field data collection and analysis, and prepare you for the year of research ahead.
One-year mentored research experience: From September to June, you’ll be working in a small team of 2-3 with a research scientist of the AMNH and spending at least 4 hours per week on a specific research project. The SRMP will be your primary extracurricular project, requiring in-person research work at the AMNH facilities, and you will need to dedicate time to it accordingly. In addition to the two sessions every week, you’ll also have monthly advisory sessions to teach you about STEM careers, practice presentation skills, and attend guest lectures from industry professionals.
The program ends with the SRMP Colloquium in June, where you will have to present a scientific poster and an oral presentation about your research.
For all your efforts and contributions to your research project, you will be eligible to earn a stipend of $2,500 upon completion of all requirements.
Is it prestigious?
The SRMP is highly competitive, and acceptance into the program is a mark of distinction. With only 60 students being selected per year, the acceptance rate is quite low, making this a prestigious addition to your resume. While the program is limited to NYC residents, its exclusivity still adds significant weight to your college applications, as it demonstrates that you've been chosen for a competitive, research-intensive experience. The hands-on research experience you obtain, all under the close supervision of a research scientist, is a unique opportunity for high schoolers. The program also provides excellent networking opportunities, as you'll work closely with scientists and peers who share your interests. This exposure can be beneficial when seeking future internships, college recommendations, or research positions.
Who is eligible to apply?
The eligibility requirements for the SRMP are:
You must be in grade 10 or 11
You also must meet ONE of the following two criteria:
Completed or currently attending a course in the Science and Nature Program, the Science Alliance High School Program, or completed the Science Alliance Middle School Program
Attend one of the AMNH partner high schools or partner programs
How does the application process work?
The application process for SRMP involves the submission of the following:
An online application to provide basic information
A series of short-answer questions addressing the following:
Your interest in STEM, which fields you’re most keen on, and whether you have any prior research experience
What you hope to gain from attending the SRMP
The kinds of projects you’d be most interested in. We highly recommend researching them here
What your other time commitments are, and how you will adjust them around the SRMP
Examples of how you intend to be a valuable team member
No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Applications for the class of 2025 were due by March 8, 2024, so the next batch should be similar.
Pros and cons of the SRMP
Pros:
Hands-on research experience: You get the chance to work on a real research project at the American Museum of Natural History, gaining skills that are valuable for both college and future careers while contributing to furthering the understanding of science.
Expert mentorship: Working with experienced scientists provides valuable guidance and insight into the world of scientific research, especially since you work with them in small batches of 2-3, allowing you to interact and learn from them one-on-one.
It is prestigious: Only 60 students are admitted each year, and the program's exclusivity and competitive nature add weight to your college applications.
Great networking opportunities: You'll not only be interacting with your mentor but also get the chance to meet industry professionals in the monthly advisory sessions and work with like-minded peers, building a network that could be useful in your future academic and career endeavors.
Cons:
It’s a major time commitment: The program requires a significant amount of time and dedication, which can be challenging to balance with schoolwork and other extracurriculars. There are constant expectations from August to June, and you’ll need to be mentally prepared for that.
It’s limited to NYC students: Only students in the New York City area are eligible, which limits the program’s accessibility.
Competitive selection process: The acceptance rate is low, so there’s a chance you may not be selected despite a strong application.
Is it legit?
The Museum of Natural History’s Science Research Mentoring Program is an excellent opportunity for NYC high schoolers interested in pursuing research in STEM fields. If you're interested in science, live in the New York City area, and are ready to commit to a year of rigorous academic work, this program can be a great experience. It not only enhances your academic profile but also provides practical experience in scientific research, which is a rare opportunity for high school students. It’s a major commitment and requires consistent effort throughout the year, but the end result is worth it.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.