14 Research Programs for High School Students in Oregon
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 12 min read
If you’re interested in research, participating in a structured program during high school can help you explore how academic and scientific work is conducted beyond the classroom. These programs introduce you to fields such as biomedical science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, and public policy while helping you build skills in analysis, problem-solving, and scientific communication. They also provide opportunities to work with mentors, engage with research tools and methods, and learn how projects are developed and presented.
In Oregon, research opportunities are offered through universities, medical centers, marine science institutes, and STEM organizations. These programs include laboratory internships, mentored research experiences, field-based science programs, and academic research initiatives that vary in format, duration, and subject focus.
Why should I do a research program in high school?
Research programs allow you to explore advanced topics while learning how researchers investigate questions, test ideas, and communicate findings. You might conduct experiments, analyze data, contribute to biomedical or engineering projects, participate in fieldwork, or develop independent research papers while working with faculty and mentors. Over time, these experiences can help you strengthen critical thinking and communication skills, explore future academic interests, and prepare for college-level study and research opportunities.
In this article, we’ve compiled 14 research programs for high school students in Oregon.
If you’re looking for summer programs in Oregon, check out our blog here.
Location: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR
Stipend: $4,000 stipend for the 8-week program + TriMet public transit pass
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 - August 14
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in late fall for the following summer
Eligibility: Portland-area high school students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and come from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds; applicants must submit transcripts, an essay, a resume, and two letters of recommendation (one from a science teacher or research mentor)
The Ted R. Lilley CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Education) Program is an intensive summer research internship for those interested in biomedical science and cancer research. You’ll spend eight weeks working up to 40 hours per week in a research laboratory at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute under the guidance of a faculty mentor. In addition to hands-on lab work, you’ll attend weekly seminars and follow a structured research curriculum designed to introduce you to scientific methods and biomedical careers. You’ll collaborate with researchers, gain exposure to laboratory techniques, and learn how scientific discoveries are translated into cancer treatments. The program culminates in a research poster presentation where you’ll present your findings to scientists and staff at the institute.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type (full financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year: Summer: June - August; Fall: September - December; Winter: December - February; Spring: March - June
Application Deadline: Spring cohort: January; Summer cohort: May; Fall cohort: September; Winter cohort: November
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in high school; Strong academic achievement (accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of around 3.3/4.0 or higher); No prior experience in the research field is required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective online research program designed for those interested in conducting independent academic research. You are paired one-on-one with PhD mentors who guide you through the research process in your chosen subject area. Over the course of the program, typically around 12 weeks, though longer formats are available, you’ll learn research methodologies, conduct literature reviews, analyze data, and develop an original research project. The program spans a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a formal research paper based on your project, gaining experience in academic writing, critical thinking, and scholarly inquiry.
Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (with activities in students’ home communities across Oregon)
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend provided; housing and accommodations arranged for activities in Portland
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by program stage (typically summer sessions)
Application Deadline: Applications currently closed; next application cycle expected to reopen in Fall
Eligibility: High school students in Oregon, with priority given to students from underserved or rural communities
The Knight Scholars Program is a multi-stage educational program that introduces you to careers in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. The program combines laboratory experiences, mentorship from scientists, and opportunities for career exploration. You’ll begin with a one-week introduction to cancer research, touring labs and meeting researchers working in oncology, public health, and biomedical science. Those who continue in the program can progress to longer immersion experiences involving research training at OHSU and community-based shadowing with healthcare professionals and public health organizations. You’ll gain exposure to real-world research environments and learn about the wide range of careers involved in cancer science and healthcare.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Spring & Fall cohorts: 15 weeks; Summer cohort: 10 weeks (June - September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing (typically GPA above 3.67/4.0). Most accepted participants are in grades 10 - 11. Some research tracks may require specific prerequisites
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is a virtual research mentorship program that allows you to explore advanced academic topics across fields such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and other disciplines. You’ll select a subject track and are paired with a professor or PhD scholar who mentors you throughout the research process. Over the course of the program, you’ll develop an original research project and produce a roughly 20-page academic research paper. The program emphasizes independent inquiry, critical thinking, and scholarly writing, helping you gain experience similar to undergraduate-level research. You’ll receive detailed feedback on your work and a letter of recommendation from your mentor, and you may have the opportunity to submit your research for publication in high school academic journals.
Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Cost: $250 program fee (scholarships available for partial or full tuition assistance)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 19 - 24
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students interested in science and engineering, particularly those from groups traditionally underrepresented in engineering; applicants must submit a completed application form and a 1-2 page essay describing their interests, background, and motivation for attending the program
The Summer Experience in Science and Engineering for Youth is a one-week residential summer program organised by the School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University. It is designed to encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore engineering. The program introduces you to various engineering disciplines through hands-on projects, workshops, and collaborative learning activities. You’ll work in teams to investigate real-world scientific and engineering problems under the guidance of faculty and mentors. Throughout the week, you’ll develop technical and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to university laboratories and engineering research. The program culminates in presentations showcasing your projects at the Corvallis da Vinci Days celebration.
Location: Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR
Cost: $200 program fee (includes instructional materials and a T-shirt; lunch not included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions from July 6 to August 13
Application Deadline: Registration opens January 7; enrollment available until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students ages 8-18; each week of the camp is designed for specific age groups (8-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-18); participants must register in advance and attend the full Monday–Thursday program week
The Hatfield Marine Science Center Summer Day Camps are hands-on marine science programs designed to introduce you to ocean science, coastal ecosystems, and marine technology. Hosted by Oregon Sea Grant, the camps combine laboratory activities, field investigations, and interactive lessons led by educators and researchers. You’ll explore marine habitats, conduct experiments in wet labs and field settings, and learn about scientific techniques used in ocean and environmental research. Weekly themes such as Marine Mammals, Crusty Crustaceans, Fish Frenzy, and Feeling ArtSEA focus on different aspects of marine life and coastal science. Through field trips and interactions with scientists, you’ll gain insight into marine research and environmental stewardship while developing curiosity about ocean science careers.
Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (within the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the Department of Biomedical Engineering)
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2-3 interns
Dates: 8 weeks starting in June
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students interested in quantitative biology, biophysics, or biomedical research; applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter explaining their interest in the program to the Galbraith Lab
The Quantitative Biology / Biophysics Internship at Oregon Health & Science University provides you with hands-on research experience in advanced biological and biophysical sciences. The program allows you to participate in experiments and data analysis related to quantitative biology. The projects are tailored to each participant’s educational level, encouraging you to take scientific ownership of your research while learning key laboratory and analytical techniques. You’ll gain exposure to advanced tools, including image analysis, super-resolution microscopy, nanofabrication, and molecular biology methods. Throughout the program, you’ll work alongside researchers in a cutting-edge biomedical research environment and develop skills essential for careers in science and engineering. The internship culminates in either a research presentation at a local conference or authorship on a national scientific abstract.
Location: VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically, one intern placement
Dates: June 15 - August 28
Application Deadline: Not specified (apply through the Saturday Academy ASE internship application portal)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by May 15 who are U.S. citizens; applicants must meet federal facility requirements, including a background check and potential medical clearance; students must also be willing to work in a laboratory environment that may involve animal research and adhere to laboratory safety requirements.
The Alzheimer’s Therapeutics Research Internship is a full-time summer research placement offered through Saturday Academy’s Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration (ASE) program. You’ll join a neuroscience research laboratory studying potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition with limited effective therapies. Under the guidance of experienced scientists, you’ll investigate novel therapeutic compounds and analyze your potential to reduce or prevent the toxic effects associated with Alzheimer’s pathology. You’ll learn molecular biology techniques used to monitor gene and protein expression while evaluating experimental results and identifying promising therapeutic targets. The program also introduces you to the research process, including experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Over approximately 300 hours of laboratory work, you’ll gain practical experience in biomedical research while exploring careers in neuroscience and medical science.
Location: Portland, OR (primarily connected with Oregon Health & Science University and other Portland-area research institutes; course held virtually; internships typically in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; limited need-based scholarships available for the summer internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Didactic course: January 14 - May 27; Optional summer internship: June - August (minimum 250 hours); Poster symposium: August
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors living in Oregon or the Portland metropolitan area (including select counties in Washington); students must demonstrate interest in medicine or biomedical research; applicants must submit an application and one teacher recommendation; students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the summer internship to participate in in-person lab work
The Partnership for Scientific Inquiry is a semester-long educational and research program designed to introduce you to biomedical research and the scientific process. Through weekly virtual lectures led by scientists from OHSU and other research institutions, you’ll learn about ongoing research projects, analyze scientific literature, and develop research skills. Each of you is paired with a research mentor who guides you in presenting a journal club article and creating a research proposal. You may also pursue an optional summer research internship in an OHSU laboratory or related research setting, gaining hands-on experience in biomedical science. The program concludes with a poster symposium where you’ll present your research and develop scientific communication skills.
Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically, a single intern placement
Dates: June 15 - August 28
Application Deadline: Applications submitted through the Saturday Academy ASE internship portal
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by June 15; applicants must meet lab safety requirements (e.g., closed-toe shoes and full-coverage clothing) and may be required to complete a background check and medical clearance; the program encourages applications from students from historically underrepresented or underserved groups
The Research on Novel Fluorophores for Cancer Detection and Treatment internship is a full-time summer research placement, offered through Saturday Academy’s Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration program. You’ll contribute to cutting-edge biomedical research focused on developing fluorescent chemical compounds and imaging technologies used in cancer detection and treatment. The research projects may include creating near-infrared fluorophores for nerve-sparing surgery, designing imaging agents to improve cancer margin detection during operations, developing fluorescently labeled therapeutics for personalized cancer therapy, and advancing multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging techniques. Over the course of at least 300 hours of lab work, you’ll build technical skills while contributing to ongoing scientific research in biomedical imaging and cancer technology.
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University (Stanford, California) - In-person and virtual (Zoom webinar) options
Cost: $3,200 for the 4-week in-person program ($800/week); $2,400 for the 4-week online program ($600/week); Students must enroll for at least 2 weeks
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 - 31
Application Deadline: Registration opens March 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of registration; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently living in the U.S.; Strong preparation in science recommended (A/B grades and at least one year of high school biology)
The Stanford EXPLORE Lecture Series is a summer academic program introducing you to foundational and emerging topics in biomedical research. Hosted by Stanford Medicine, the program features lectures delivered by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members across fields such as immunology, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, cancer biology, bioengineering, and bioinformatics. You’ll attend college-style lectures that explore both fundamental scientific concepts and modern research techniques used in biomedical science. The curriculum also exposes you to current developments in areas such as AI in biomedicine and precision health. You’ll gain insight into scientific career pathways and the educational journeys of medical and graduate students.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically January - May (annual research cycle)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors living in the United States; Homeschooled students are eligible; Strong mathematical preparation recommended (examples include USAMO/USAJMO qualification, proof-based math coursework, or strong recommendations from math instructors)
PRIMES-USA is a highly selective research program run by the MIT Mathematics Department that allows advanced high school students across the United States to conduct original mathematical research under the mentorship of MIT researchers and graduate students. You’ll work remotely with your mentors throughout the spring semester to explore a specialized research topic and produce a formal research paper. You’ll learn advanced mathematical techniques, proof writing, and the research process while collaborating with mentors through regular online meetings. The program culminates in a written research paper and presentation at the annual PRIMES conference hosted by MIT.
Location: Virtual program hosted by Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging at Stanford University
Cost: Program fee: $4,800 for the academic year; Limited need-based scholarships available (may cover partial or full tuition)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited capacity; priority given to alumni of AIMI summer programs
Dates: 30 weeks during the academic year
Application Deadline: Next application cycle expected in the summer
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in high school during the academic year; Priority given to students who previously attended the AIMI Summer Research Internship or Summer Health AI Bootcamp
The AIMI Academic Year Research Internship is a virtual research program that allows you to work on projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. You’ll collaborate in small groups of four to five students and meet weekly with Stanford mentors to develop and complete research projects using real-world health data. You’ll typically spend about 3-5 hours per week on mentorship sessions and independent project work, gaining experience with tasks such as literature reviews, exploratory data analysis, building AI models, or exploring the ethical and policy challenges of AI in medicine. Throughout the year, you’ll attend enrichment events, including “Meet the Experts” sessions with leaders in health AI, as well as optional office hours for additional guidance. The program culminates in a research presentation and written summary, showcased during Stanford Health AI Week.
Location: Remote options available; In-person at Foreign Policy Research Institute (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA)
Cost/Stipend: Some paid stipends available based on financial need; Also offers part-time unpaid internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Spring: February - April; Summer: June - August; Fall: October - December
Application Deadline: Applications open and close prior to each term; for Summer, the decision period is April 10-20
Eligibility: Open to students at all stages of study; Most accepted interns are college or graduate students with research, language, or policy experience; No nationality restrictions, but the institute does not sponsor visas
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship Program provides you with hands-on experience working at a leading nonpartisan foreign policy think tank. You’ll collaborate with scholars and professionals on research, communications, policy analysis, or operations projects, depending on the internship track. You’ll often work in areas such as Eurasia, Asia, or national security and may assist with data analysis, writing, and policy research. You’ll also attend weekly seminars on foreign policy and career pathways with guest speakers from the international relations community. You’ll gain access to FPRI’s in-person and virtual events and may develop a research paper that can be considered for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner. Through mentorship and professional development, the program helps you build analytical, communication, and collaboration skills relevant to careers in global affairs and public policy.
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.