Your Guide to the Summer Science Program (SSP)

The Summer Science Program provides a thrilling and motivating dive into hands-on experimental science for teenagers. Teams of three, consisting of 36 participants and 7 faculty members, join forces to create a supportive “living and learning community” that spans a transformative 39 days.

During this time, each team engages in a genuine research project, collecting and analyzing original data, culminating in a truly immersive experience.

Upon completion, participants become part of a vast global network comprising over 2,500 alumni of all ages. In 2023, the program featured specialized programs:

• Astrophysics: Exploring near-earth asteroid orbit determination at New Mexico State University, Colorado Boulder, and North Carolina Chapel Hill.
• Biochemistry: Investigating fungal crop pathogens at Purdue Univ. and Indiana Univ.
• Genomics: Delving into the evolution of antibiotic resistance at Indiana Univ.

As an independent nonprofit, SSP stands out as the sole summer program that is operated, governed, and predominantly funded by its alumni and former faculty. This unique structure serves as a testament to its profound impact on young minds, spanning over six decades.

Many alumni fondly label it the “educational experience of a lifetime,” underlining its enduring significance.

This distinctive program doesn’t just offer scientific exploration; it fosters a sense of community and collaboration. The emphasis on teamwork and original research projects contributes to a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

SSP’s influence extends beyond its duration, creating connections among participants that last a lifetime and contribute to a broader network of individuals passionate about scientific inquiry.

In essence, the Summer Science Program goes beyond traditional educational experiences, leaving an indelible mark on its participants and shaping the way they perceive and engage with the world of science.

Is SSP For You?

Imagine:

• Living and working in a close-knit community from around the world, filled with interesting and motivated people.
• Immersing yourself in a fascinating research project.
• Collaborating instead of competing, helping and being helped by teammates.
• Learning more and faster than you thought possible, facing new intellectual challenges.

The “SSP experience” fast-tracks your academic and personal growth, helping with crucial life decisions. You’ll discover if a STEM major and career are your best path. Gain practical skills like time management, setting you up for success in college and beyond. Applying won’t cost you anything. While there’s a program fee, generous need-based financial aid, courtesy of benevolent donors, enables students from lower-income families to participate at an affordable rate.

In 2023, 44% benefited from a discounted fee, with half attending at no cost. Financial aid covers the program fee and the expenses related to travel to and from the program. SSP doesn’t hold back on intensity and challenge. The material moves faster than college courses, and the schedule is packed. However, every participant receives substantial personal attention from the seven faculty members, ensuring no one gets left behind.

The absence of grades or tests strengthens cooperation, making it a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Should You Join?

Wondering if you should apply? If spending your summer immersed in science excites you and you meet the prerequisites, why not give it a shot? The program evaluates applications carefully, considering your motivation, resources, and the challenges you’ve overcome.

Admission surprises some each year, and maybe you’ll be one of them! However, having a backup summer plan is wise as spots are limited. Whether admitted or not, applying offers valuable practice and an early edge in the college application process.

Who gets admitted? Each application undergoes a holistic review. Successful applicants excel in the most advanced math and science courses. SSP looks for good character and motivation, considering any obstacles you may face, such as limited family or school resources.

The application allows ample space to explain your unique circumstances. Beyond the standard criteria, they assess how much the experience would benefit you, a subjective judgment on our part

In each program, consisting of 36 participants and 7 faculty, a diverse community of scholars is formed. Individuals from racial and ethnic backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.

SSP maintains a non-discriminatory stance on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or financial aid application.

Summer Science Program and College Readiness

Through SSP, participants acquire the confidence and skills crucial for success in any college environment. They develop effective time management, strike a balance between work and leisure, appreciate collaboration, and learn to navigate the challenge of not grasping concepts immediately.

The collaborative atmosphere, surrounded by brilliant minds, inspires them to seek a similar setting in their college journey.

In casual discussions with faculty, participants receive valuable guidance on selecting a college and deciding on a major. The structured College Roundtable during Open House Day provides a more organized conversation about making this significant decision.

Participants enhance their college applications by gaining a deeper understanding of themselves—what they want to study, why, and where they fit among high-achieving peers.

While SSP doesn’t guarantee admission to any college, admissions officers recognize that our alumni are well-prepared to excel in a STEM major of their choosing.

Post-program, participants receive a letter of completion rather than a personal evaluation. Participants can request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, which is provided at the faculty member’s discretion.

What to Anticipate: Health and Safety

The health and safety of participants take precedence. Safety is paramount!

Throughout SSP’s five-decade history, most health and safety issues have involved minor illnesses, sunburn, dehydration, and sports injuries. Faculty members offer first aid and consult a registered nurse when necessary, free of charge.

Participants typically reside in sex-segregated double-occupancy dorms. The dorms house four Teaching Assistants and Residential Mentors, with restricted key card access to authorized individuals only. Regarding research-related hazards, we teach and enforce lab safety protocols from the host campus, consistent with those followed by undergraduates during the academic year. These protocols are comprehensive and well-established.

Throughout the 39-day SSP, you might require medical attention. The Site Director will attempt to secure parental permission before seeking medical services, though emergencies may not allow for this. SSP does not furnish health insurance; parents are responsible for the entire cost of medications or healthcare services beyond first aid. Consequently, we strongly recommend verifying or obtaining health insurance before arrival.

Given that SSP is designed to be mentally and physically demanding, more so than high school, it may not be suitable for everyone. After admission, parents must disclose any past or present health concerns, such as depression or eating disorders. We will attempt to accommodate your situation if possible.

Throughout the program, any new health issues must be disclosed to the faculty or nurse to ensure you receive appropriate care.

Guest Lecture Series Overview

The Guest Lecture Series is an integral part of each program, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with accomplished speakers from various fields. These speakers, some of whom have a longstanding connection with SSP as alumni and former faculty, share insights into their expertise, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Take a look at some of the guest lectures during the Summer Science Camp.

1. Blaise Aguera y Arcase

Vice President and Google Fellow, Google

Topic: Language models and social intelligence

2. Dr. Erika Alden DeBenedictis

Computational Physicist and Synthetic Biologist, MIT

Topic: High-Throughput Protein Design and Evolution for Synthetic Biology

3. Dr. Stephon Alexander

Professor of Physics, Brown University; President, The National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP); Executive Director, Harlem Gallery of Science, Brown University

Topic: The Jazz of Physics

4. Dr. Elena Amador-French

MSL Science Operations Coordinator, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Topic: Discovering the Early History of Mars Through Robotic Exploration

5. Dr. Nadia Atallah Lanman

Assistant Research Professor of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University

Topic: Bioinformatics: Unleashing the Power of Data to Fight Cancer

6. Dr. Fran Bagenal

Professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado

Topic: Juno Mission to Jupiter

7. Dr. Nancy Chabot

Planetary Scientist, Coordination Lead for NASA’s DART Mission, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Topic: Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART): NASA’s First Planetary Defense Test Mission

8. Dr. Richard Chuang

Adjunct Faculty, Cogswell College; Co-founder of Dreamworks Animation, Cogswell College

Topic: The Infinite Space of Learning

9. Dr. Doug Duncan

Professor of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder

Topic: Solar Astronomy, Eclipses, and the Upcoming 2023 and 2024 Eclipses

10. Dr. Adrienne Erickcek

Associate Professor, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Topic: Cosmology: Understanding the Evolution and Content of the Universe

11. Dr. Kelly Fast

Near-Earth Object Observations Program Manager for NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office, NASA

Topic: Finding Asteroids Before They Find Us: Planetary Defense at NASA

12. Dr. Millie Georgiadis

Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine

Topic: Alien DNA As An Alternative Genetic System

Noteworthy Points

The lectures cover diverse topics such as astrophysics, biochemistry, and law. Presenters include accomplished professionals from Google, NASA, MIT, and various universities.

Moreover, the series promotes informal interaction during receptions, fostering networking opportunities. The 2022 series encompasses a wide range of subjects, offering participants exposure to multifaceted fields. The Guest Lecture Series is a vital component of the SSP experience, enriching participants’ knowledge and inspiring their scientific pursuits.

Research Project: Asteroid Orbit Determination in the Summer Science Program in Astrophysics

Understanding Near-Earth Asteroids

Near-earth asteroids, commonly referred to as “minor planets,” follow orbits around the sun that closely resemble Earth’s path. Predicting their future positions is crucial due to the potential catastrophic consequences of collisions, as evidenced by the extinction event that impacted the dinosaurs. This predictive capability relies on the application of vector calculus.

Hands-On Learning Approach

Participants kick off their journey by grasping celestial coordinates and learning to interpret an ephemeris, a tool used to choose a near-earth asteroid for study. Collaborating in teams of three, they craft an “observing proposal,” akin to what astronomers submit to observatories. The real action begins on the third night when teams observe runs at the telescope.

Post-observation, teams face the challenge of locating the faint dot representing the asteroid amidst the background stars. With precision, they measure its position relative to surrounding stars.

Accumulating at least three or four observations taken on different nights, teams delve into Python programming. They write code to calculate the asteroid’s position and velocity vectors, subsequently transforming them into the six orbital elements characterizing the asteroid’s orbital ellipse using numerical differentiation.

Comprehensive Team Involvement

Every team undertakes the entire process independently, from selecting their asteroid and pointing the telescope to capturing images, processing data, and calculating the orbit.

Some teams go the extra mile, enhancing the accuracy of their calculated trajectories through additional observations for differential corrections. Alternatively, they may use Visual Python to create an animation depicting their asteroid’s orbit around the sun.

Contribution to Scientific Knowledge

The teams submit their observations to the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union. These contributions play a role in refining future predictions of the asteroid’s position. The comprehensive nature of the project covers a spectrum of topics:

• Astronomy: Celestial coordinates, digital observational techniques, astrometry; brief introductions to planetary science, cosmology.
• Physics: Gravitation, celestial mechanics; brief introductions to the electromagnetic spectrum, relativity, quantum mechanics.
• Mathematics: Interpolation, coordinate transformations, differential and integral vector calculus, numerical methods, differential equations.
• Scientific Programming in Python: Practical application of programming skills for scientific analysis.

This immersive research project provides participants with a hands-on understanding of astronomy, physics, mathematics, and scientific programming, reinforcing the interdisciplinary nature of the Summer Science Program in Astrophysics.

Research Project: Enzyme Exploration in the Summer Science Program in Biochemistry

Unraveling the Complexity of Enzymes

Enzyme-catalyzed reactions drive all life processes, and enzymes themselves are intricate linear chains of amino acids originating from DNA sequences. Unraveling how a mere 20 building blocks can manifest into extraordinary 3-dimensional structural and chemical diversity represents a significant challenge in biochemistry.

The practical importance of this challenge lies in the fact that most drugs, whether for medical or agricultural use, function as enzyme inhibitors. Addressing hunger, a major global health concern, necessitates the continuous development of chemicals to combat pathogens threatening crops worldwide.

Learning Objectives

Participants will delve into the fundamentals of enzyme structure, function, and evolution. Operating in teams of three, they will undertake a unique project involving both bench experiments and computer-based tools.

Their focus will be on characterizing an enzyme family member implicated in crop infection by fungal pathogens – an enzyme not previously modeled by any researcher. The team will contribute their enzyme model to a shared database accessible to the wider scientific community.

Additionally, they will design a molecule intended to safeguard crops from the specific fungus in question by binding to the enzyme and inhibiting its activity.

Beyond Standard Biochemical Education

This project surpasses the expectations set for undergraduates in a typical analytical lab course for biochemistry majors. It requires participants to construct hypotheses based on the integration of existing information, critically analyze and interpret novel experimental results, and apply this newfound knowledge to segments of the drug design pipeline.

These practical components mirror the demands of contemporary biochemical research, providing students with the intellectual tools to approach biochemical research problems effectively.

Encompassing a Spectrum of Disciplines

The project covers various topics, including:

• Biochemistry: Affinity chromatography, gel electrophoresis, enzyme assays, kinetics, inhibition, drug screening.
• Molecular Modeling: Homology modeling, ligand docking, molecular dynamics simulations, inhibitor optimization.
• Mathematics: Rate equations, linear and non-linear curve fitting, biostatistics.
• Bioinformatics: Sequence similarity searching, multiple sequence alignment, secondary structure, and binding motif prediction.

This comprehensive research experience equips participants with a profound understanding of biochemistry while honing their skills in experimental techniques, computational tools, mathematics, and bioinformatics. It exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of the Summer Science Program in Biochemistry.

Research Project: Antibiotic Resistance and Directed Evolution in the Summer Science Program in Genomics

Combatting Antibiotic Resistance

Addressing antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a critical challenge in public health. The Summer Science Program in Genomics tackles this issue through a research project where teams engage in the controlled evolution of antibiotic resistance. 

The objective is to stimulate the evolution of resistance in a safe and controlled culture, followed by genome sequencing and analysis of acquired mutations. 

Participants will acquire hands-on experience in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics—essential skills for addressing real-world life science challenges.

Project Overview

Each team, comprising three participants, employs a custom chemostat to maintain constant growth of Vibrio natriegens, a non-disease-causing ocean microbe. This growth occurs under moderate antibiotic selection pressure.

The chemostat integrates features for media mixing, aeration, optical monitoring of growth rate, and feedback control of antibiotic delivery to the culture. Teams then meticulously map the genetic mutations resulting from incomplete growth suppression.

Emphasis on Understanding

Following the SSP philosophy of “no black boxes,” faculty members impart a deep understanding of the underlying science and engineering principles used in the research:

• Genetics: Genetic evolution, DNA manipulation, PCR, and sequence analysis.
• Microbiology: Bacterial life cycle and growth dynamics.
• Mathematics: Rate equations, linear and non-linear curve fitting, biostatistics.
• Instrumentation: Optical measurement, integral feedback control.
• Bioinformatics: Read trimming, genome assembly (de novo and from reference genomes), gene annotation, SNP calling.

This comprehensive approach equips participants with the practical skills needed for the project and ensures a solid foundation in the scientific and engineering principles driving the research. The Antibiotic Resistance and Directed Evolution project exemplifies the hands-on, interdisciplinary focus of the Summer Science Program in Genomics.

Networks

The Summer Science Program operates as an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization, collaborating with several esteemed institutions:

Host Campuses

• Indiana University, Bloomington
• New Mexico State University, Las Cruces
• Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Affiliate University/College

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech, located in Pasadena near Los Angeles, has been intricately connected with the Summer Science Program since its inception in 1958-9. Dr. Lee DuBridge, Caltech’s President, then, donated astronomical equipment and recruited Caltech faculty to teach at SSP.

Caltech served as SSP’s first legal “parent” decades before its transition to an independent nonprofit. This enduring relationship continues, with numerous Caltech faculty contributing to SSP, including renowned individuals like Maarten Schmidt, David Politzer, and Richard Feynman. Despite its size, Caltech has welcomed over 200 SSP alumni as undergraduates, second only to MIT.

Harvey Mudd College

Dating back to the 1960s, Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, has been a supportive partner in the operation and funding of SSP. This collaboration was part of an informal consortium involving Caltech, Pomona College, and Thacher School.

Over the years, many SSP alumni have found a home at Harvey Mudd, drawn by the cultural compatibility between the college and SSP. In 2017, Harvey Mudd College renewed its direct relationship with SSP as its “academic partner,” fostering cooperation in various areas.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Despite the geographical distance from SSP’s original home in Southern California, MIT has been a destination for SSP alumni for decades. Notable examples include Ed Bertschinger, a member of SSP’s class of ’75 who later became the head of MIT’s Department of Physics.

Approximately 10-20% of SSP alumni choose MIT for their undergraduate education each fall, with others pursuing graduate studies at the institution. Since 1959, MIT has been the most frequent undergraduate destination for SSP alumni.

Application Process for SSP

The application period for the 2024 session will commence in December. Keep checking their website to get updates on the actual dates for submission deadlines.

Prerequisites

Applications are open each winter for current high school juniors and outstanding sophomores who have fulfilled the prerequisites. Eligible applicants must be at least 15 years old but still need to be 19 during the program’s operation. Unfortunately, current freshmen and seniors do not qualify for application.

To meet prerequisites, a course must be taken for credit with a graded completion by June. Advanced classes, such as AP courses, are not mandatory. Self-study needs to meet our eligibility criteria. If the required classes have not been taken, applicants are not eligible to apply

Research in	Year in school (when applying)	Coursework Prerequisites (completed or in progress)
Astrophysics	junior (11th grade)	physics (any level high school physics) + precalculus (or if you don’t have physics, calculus)
Astrophysics	sophomore (10th grade)	physics (any level) + calculus
Biochemistry	junior or sophomore	biology + chemistry + strong algebra skills
Genomics	junior or sophomore	biology + Algebra II

Source: Summer Science Program Website

Program Fee and Financial Aid

Operated as an independent nonprofit, the Summer Science Program is uniquely governed by its alumni and faculty, who generously contribute to maintaining financial accessibility.

Thanks to their support, we ensure need-blind admissions and offer an aid grant that fulfills 100% of demonstrated need, inclusive of U.S. round-trip airfare or $500 toward international airfare. Financial need assessment considers various factors, including the number of dependents and exceptional costs.

Applicants with a family income:

• Under approximately $70,000, you may qualify for a fully discounted fee (making SSP free) and travel expenses.
• Under $130,000 may qualify for a partially discounted fee.
• Depending on individual circumstances, over $130,000 may still qualify for a partially discounted fee.

In essence, the program fee is tailored to each family’s financial capacity. Each participant pays at most, the program fee of $8,400 (2023), representing our operational cost per participant. This all-inclusive fee covers room and board, tuition, supplies, and local transportation.

Is the Admission Process Difficult?

In recent years, the admission rate has hovered at approximately 10%, emphasizing the importance of having an alternative summer plan in mind. Interestingly, some applicants find admission surprising, while a different outcome takes aback others.

Their evaluation approach considers each application holistically, considering your life circumstances. Beyond academic readiness, SSP assesses character, motivation, and the potential impact of the experience on your personal development. Even if admission is not granted, the application process is a valuable practice for forthcoming college applications.

It is important to have all the necessary information before making any decision. AdmissionSight is always here to help you with any questions or concerns. We have over ten years of experience helping students successfully navigate the challenging admissions process.

Consult with AdmissionSight and find out how we can help you get into the school of your choice by ensuring that you are fully informed and prepared for the application process. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We will also provide you with access to our team of experts who can help you with everything from choosing the right schools to writing your essays.

Don’t let the admissions process overwhelm you. Contact AdmissionSight today and let us help you achieve your dreams.