Waksman Student Scholars Program

About

The Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP) is a year-long initiative dedicated to providing high school students with the opportunity to conduct genuine, published research in the fields of molecular biology and bioinformatics. The program's mission is to move beyond traditional science education by involving students in a real-world research problem: isolating and sequencing previously unknown DNA from the duckweed plant *Landoltia punctata*. Students utilize advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR and restriction digests, followed by the use of professional bioinformatics tools to analyze their sequence data. A defining feature of the program is that students contribute original data to the scientific community; successful findings are published in GenBank, the international repository for DNA sequences, with the students credited as authors. This experience aims to foster a deep understanding of the scientific process and encourage students to pursue advanced education and careers in STEM.

Application Requirements