15 Biology Research Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student interested in biology, consider a biology-focused research program. This can be your opportunity to explore a topic or research question in biomedical sciences, marine biology, cancer biology, or any biological science, in absolute detail. Biology research programs typically place you in labs, where you get to work under the mentorship of a researcher or scientist and gain hands-on research experience. In the process, you will get to develop essential lab skills and learn about the research process from start to finish.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
Florida is home to many prestigious universities, labs, and institutions, including Florida International University and Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, which run biology research programs designed for high school students. In these programs, you take part in fieldwork, conduct experiments, analyze data, or support ongoing research on subjects like marine ecosystems, cell biology, or biomedical science. Whether you are a Florida resident or visiting from another state, attending a program here can help you learn from experienced scientists and gain early exposure to advanced techniques used in academic and professional biology.
To make your search easier, here are 15 biology research programs for high school students in Florida.
If you are looking for internships in Florida, check out our blog here.
1. Moffitt Cancer Center’s HIP IMO
Location: Moffitt Cancer Center at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Stipend: $1,000 scholarship
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11, ages 16 and up
The HIP IMO (High School Student Internship Program in Integrated Mathematical Oncology) at Moffitt is an opportunity to explore interdisciplinary career paths in cancer research. As an intern, you will work under the supervision of a scientist or staff member from the IMO department on an individual research project. Throughout the program, you will document your findings, attend lab meetings, and find opportunities to build research skills. At the end of eight weeks, you will prepare a three-page scientific report summarizing your findings and deliver a 15-minute presentation at the HIP IMO research day.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply
Eligibility: High school students who have experience in AI or Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. MPFI’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $14/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Palm Beach or Martin County rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up
This program offers you the opportunity to collaborate with scientists and researchers at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. You will dive into key neuroscience concepts such as brain structure, function, and development, as well as explore the application of advanced imaging techniques and technologies in the field while engaging in research. The program offers multiple tracks: Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, Mechanical Engineering, and Programming/Coding for Public Engagement. The Neuroscience track provides a more biology-focused experience, during which you can participate in laboratory research and learn about genetic engineering, microscopy, and related topics. By the end of the program, you will prepare a scientific abstract based on your research and deliver a brief presentation on your findings.
4. Lumiere Research Scholars Program: Biology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts (fall, winter, summer, and spring) in a year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have a GPA of 3.3+
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as biology, psychology, neuroscience, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship
Location: University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots; number varies by year
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: January 31; applications open on December 1.
Eligibility: High school juniors from the Miami and Broward areas
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship allows you to spend approximately eight weeks at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, gaining research experience. You will work with a HIHG staff member, postdoctoral researcher, or faculty member to work on a research project. You can choose from two tracks: the computational track, which involves using computer models and simulations to better understand natural systems, or the biological track, which provides a traditional wet lab experience. At the end of the program, you will deliver an oral presentation, sharing your findings with peers and faculty.
6. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Steidinger Scholars Program
Location: FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), St. Petersburg, FL
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Three months; dates vary
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors and recent high school graduates, ages 18 and up
The FWC’s Steidinger Scholars Program is designed for high schoolers and college students interested in exploring careers in fisheries and wildlife research through hands-on experiential learning. As a participant, you will join a three-month mentorship under an FWRI scientist and engage in research projects related to the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. Although responsibilities differ depending on your role, you will have the opportunity to observe researchers, participate in training, and assist with field and laboratory activities related to ongoing research, management projects, and programs. You will also attend workshops and training focused on career development and work on a presentation to share your experience with peers and mentors.
7. Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application deadline: December 31; application window opens on November 1
Eligibility: Florida rising high school juniors and seniors enrolled in schools in Duval County or St. Johns County with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
SPARK is a mentored research experience in biomedical sciences for high schoolers, conducted at the Mayo Clinic. As a participant, you will develop basic knowledge in the sciences and the research process over the summer and school year. You will also have the chance to work with top researchers in their fields. You will engage in research in cancer biology, neuroscience, biochemistry and molecular biology, regenerative sciences, or other related fields, attend lab meetings, and work one-on-one with a research mentor. In the process, you will develop competitive research projects that can be submitted to science fairs, qualify for awards, and create and present a research poster.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various DoN labs across the U.S., including FL
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 students/year; Florida-specific details not available
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1.
Eligibility: 10th – 12th graders, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens
SEAP is a paid internship that places high schoolers in various Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories across the United States. Over the course of eight weeks, you will participate in naval research spanning various STEM fields, including biology. As a participant, you will collaborate with and shadow scientists and engineers, engage in meaningful STEM research, and receive mentorship and guidance. You will also have access to professional development opportunities like seminars, networking events, and leadership events.
9. Wertheim UF Scripps Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 5 – July 31
Application deadline: March 1; applications open on December 8.
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, with a GPA of 3.0+ who live and attend school in Palm Beach or Martin County
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship is an opportunity for high schoolers to explore the fields of biological and chemical research by collaborating with leading scientists working on cancer and coronavirus studies. In the first week, you will attend an introductory course covering standard techniques and applications in biomedical research. Then, you will work alongside UF Scripps laboratory staff, learning about the scientific process, research planning, experimental design, and building lab skills. The program also provides exposure to careers in biotechnology, research, biomedical engineering, and drug discovery. At the end of the program, you will submit a written scientific abstract and prepare an oral presentation and a poster to share your research findings and overall experience.
10. FIU’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Cohort size: Varies by year; ~25 – 30 students in past cohorts
Dates: June 12 – August 7
Application deadline: TBA; applications open in spring
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors or graduated seniors, ages 16 and up, with an unweighted GPA of 3.0+ and an interest in cardiovascular-related research
The FIU Summer Research Internship program helps students gain hands-on experience in a biological research field, such as cardiovascular health research. You will explore experimental design and various research methodologies through two primary commitments: curriculum activities and research work. During curriculum sessions, you will engage in journal clubs, workshops, and case study analyses. In the research lab, you will focus on a cardiovascular-related research project under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. Additionally, the program offers opportunities to refine critical thinking, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
11. University of Florida’s Research Explorations (REx) Program
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $2,500 + $35 non-refundable application fee; limited scholarships available for FL applicants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Biomedical Science Track: June 21 – July 3 or July 19 – 31 | Environmental Science and Toxicology Track: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open on January 15
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
REx provides high schoolers with an in-depth introduction to research science through lab work, informational sessions, and activities. As a participant, you will dive into the fundamentals of scientific research and work on coming up with innovative applications, therapies, and technologies. Additionally, you will gain insight into how scientists and engineers develop solutions to address societal challenges. You can choose from two tracks: the Biomedical Science Track, within which you will explore topics like DNA science, CRISPR, and protein science, or the Environmental Science and Toxicology Track, where you will explore the effects of pollution on human health and the environment. You will also visit active research laboratories, attend discussions on current research conducted at UF, and contribute to ongoing experiments alongside UF research faculty and graduate students.
12. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 + $50 application fee; limited need-based scholarships available for Florida applicants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 90 students/year
Dates: June 7 – July 25
Application deadline: April 15 (FL applicants) | April 1 (out-of-state/international applicants)
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders, ages 16 and up
The University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program pairs you with a faculty mentor to contribute to ongoing research in STEM fields over seven weeks. You will attend weekly one-on-one sessions with your mentor, work on analyzing scientific articles, and receive guidance and feedback on your research project. You will also attend a lecture series focused on current research topics and participate in a UF honors seminar course. In the process, you will find opportunities to develop skills in research, leadership, professional communication, and organization. At the end of the program, you will submit a scientific research paper, present a research poster, and deliver two oral presentations sharing your summer experience.
13. FIU-CTS High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Cohort size: ~15 – 20 students/year
Dates: June 9 – July 10 (tentative)
Application deadline: Opens in March (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from St. Lucie County
The FIU-CTS High School Summer Internship Program offers high schoolers the chance to engage in approximately five weeks of mentored biomedical science research. As a participant, you will gain hands-on research experience by working in state-of-the-art laboratories, conducting experiments, and building lab-based problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Areas of focus include heart and pulmonary physiology, pathology, brain injury and spinal cord injury, neuroscience, and mitochondria and metabolism. Throughout the internship, you will work alongside scientists and gain insight into the scientific process, including hypothesis investigation. The program also offers insights into career paths in science. At the end of the internship, you will present your findings at the CTS High School Summer Internship Luncheon.
14. Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS)
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified; information available upon contacting the program coordinator.
Application deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: High school students
An initiative by Florida Coastal Everglades (FCE) LTER Program based at Florida International University, RAHSS is an on-campus program that aims to develop interest in the biological sciences, especially among students from backgrounds often underrepresented in STEM. As a participant, you will work with FCE grad students on social-ecological, solutions-oriented scientific approaches through hands-on research experiences. You will also have the opportunity to receive mentorship and research training from FCE graduate students and faculty. Additionally, the program offers opportunities to develop the professional skills necessary for a career in STEM.
15. George Mason University’s ASSIP
Location: Virtual internships available for Florida students
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition for three course credits; fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
Every summer, George Mason University offers high schoolers remote and on-campus research opportunities through the ASSIP (Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program). As a participant, you will work one-on-one with faculty researchers from George Mason University and other institutions, gaining practical exposure to advanced equipment and technologies. Research opportunities span various STEM areas, including biology, proteomics and molecular medicine, neuroscience, biochemistry, oceanic and earth sciences, and related fields. The program also includes discussion forums and meetings focused on STEM career pathways and opportunities to develop scientific writing and communication skills. Upon completion, you may find opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and present your work at conferences.
Image source - Lumiere Education