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Today, we’re sharing valuable information for students and parents interested in applying to top-tier summer research programs in the U.S. Many students and their families look for meaningful summer opportunities, and summer camps are often at the top of the list. For competitive programs like top-tier summer camps, early preparation is essential. In this post, we’ll take a detailed look at one of these prestigious summer programs: the Spark Summer Research Program.


 

About Spark Summer Research Program

What is Spark Summer Research Program?

The Spark Summer Research Program is designed to motivate high school students in the Greater Seattle area by providing practical and in-depth learning opportunities through connections with industry professionals, educators, and various institutions. The program aims to offer appropriate opportunities for interested students in the Greater Seattle area, allowing them to interact with industry experts, renowned institution professors, and community leaders, gaining experience in professional environments and preparing students intellectually and professionally.

 

2024 Timeline

   - February: Spons​or Projects – 20-40 hours per week

   - March: Students Apply – Apply for 1-5 projects, submit essays and transcripts

   - April: Applicants Matched – Applications reviewed, sent to sponsors

   - May: Interviews – Applicant and sponsor meet, business submits candidate list

   - June: Applicants Matched – Applicants accept internships, internships begin

   - June - August: Internship – Work hard, learn, and have fun!

The Spark SIP (Summer Internship Program) is aimed at students interested in computer science and related fields. It offers opportunities to learn from and connect with industry professionals through structured programs while conducting research during the summer. To participate, students must be able to commit to full-time work (30-40 hours per week) for 8-12 weeks during the summer.

 

2023 Internship Examples

1. Detection Tool for Tick-Borne Infections or Breast Cancer

This project involves enhancing disease diagnosis and treatment by measuring and quantifying genetic characteristics of cells in disease conditions compared to normal cells. Non-invasive electrical stimulation techniques may have the potential to detect cell changes due to diseases or infections. The project includes studying cell culture for electrical profile measurement and experimentation.
 

This project is suitable for students with proficiency in computer and research equipment operation, excellent communication skills, punctuality, ethical behavior, focus on work, and adherence to BSL-2 guidelines. Candidates must be able to attend the internship in Morgantown, West Virginia.
 

   - Weekly Work Hours: 25 hours

   - Internship Duration: 6 weeks

   - Location: Morgantown, WV

   - Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 (International students are NOT eligible; only U.S. citizens or permanent residents)

2. DNA Sequence Classification Based on Electrical Signatures

This project applies machine learning and statistical methods to classify conductivity data and predict the conductivity of designer DNA strands. It involves understanding how conductivity patterns change when multiple short DNA strands are mixed and designing sequences with specific conductivity characteristics. Students must be familiar with Python and have access to a good computer for developing and running Python code. The project includes extensive reading, calculations, and weekly presentations.
 

This project is suitable for students interested in scientific computing and machine learning, with preference for those exposed to statistics/machine learning. Candidates must participate in weekly meetings at UW-Seattle.
 

   - We​ekly Work Hours: 30 hours+

   - Internship Duration: 8-10 weeks

   - Location: Seattle, WA + remote

   - Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 (International students are NOT eligible; only U.S. citizens or permanent residents)

3. 2D Materials - A New Class of Conductors and Semiconductors for Future Computing and Sensing 

This project involves studying 2D materials and understanding the fundamental materials science that determines their electronic and mechanical properties. Students will produce weekly professional PowerPoint presentations and written summaries, and learn literature searching, basic chemistry, and principles of physics and engineering.
 

This project is suitable for students with a strong background in physics and chemistry or an interest in engineering.
 

   - Weekly Work Hours: 30 hours+

   - Internship Duration: 8-10 weeks

   - Location: Seattle, WA + remote

   - Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 (International students are NOT eligible; only U.S. citizens or permanent residents)