We welcome high school juniors and seniors with prior research experience to join us for a semester at Tufts under active mentorship by one of Tufts' world-class researchers to learn hands-on laboratory techniques and/or data and processing skills.

Non-credit

Residential

Commuter

Online, live

Online

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Final project

Students will work in Tufts research laboratories, actively participating in the rigorous research being explored at Tufts. Students will gain proficiency in authentic research practices as they work side-by-side with the faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students at Tufts University. Although the particular techniques and areas of research will depend on the research team that hosts each student, all students will actively contribute to ongoing research projects and learn about research ethics and how to evaluate information objectively. Lab time will be supplemented with a various afternoon sessions and the opportunity to experience life on the Tufts University campus.

Each student selected to participate in this competitive program will be paired with a Principal Investigator and mentor in one of Tufts' many outstanding research laboratories. The majority of time in the program will be mentored research in a Tufts laboratory. Students will be fully integrated into the research team including team meetings and presentations, an incredible opportunity to interact with world-class researchers.

Program Highlights:
- Work with and learn from world-class faculty and researchers;
- Gain experience in evaluating real data sets as a part of conducting lab research;
- Investigate a question related to the lab’s research and develop a poster to present at a poster session;
- Participate in journal clubs, guest lectures, and networking events;
- Make lifelong friends with students from all over the world.

Program Outcomes:
- Improved ability to interpret, use and analyze real experimental data;
- Increased understanding of and comfort working with a rigorous laboratory and research team;
- Research poster and lab notes for future applications;
- Refined verbal and written communication skills from participating in a poster session and in-depth conversations with other researchers;
- Enhanced understanding of college-level research.

2023 Lab Placements
1. Discovery Pathology for Infectious Research (Commuter Only)
Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Principal Investigator: Professor Amanda Martinot

2. Mozaffarian Research Lab
Biomedical and Nutrition Sciences, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
Principal Investigator: Dean Dariush Mozaffarian

3. Nutrition Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory
Biomedical and Nutrition Sciences, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Principal Investigator: Roger Fielding

4. Development of Identity and Community Engagement
Child Study and Human Development, School of Arts & Sciences
Principal Investigator: Professor Sara K. Johnson

Note: this page represents our best expectations for the program we will deliver, but is subject to change.

Tufts Summer Research Experience

Jul 03 - Aug 11

6 weeks

Commuter

8000 USD

Tufts Summer Research Experience

Jul 03 - Aug 11

6 weeks

Residential

11250 USD

Tufts Summer Research Experience

Jul 03 - Aug 11

6 weeks

Online

7500 USD

Program Fees - Summer 2023

Commuter Program Fee: $8,000
Includes: all program activities, use of select campus facilities, included program and residential excursions and daily activities, staff-accompanied airport transfer during specified windows.
Excludes: residential accommodations, breakfast/dinner/weekend meals, airfare/transportation to and from home city or residence, courses and activities shown to have an extra fee, laundry, spending money, souvenirs, meals eaten away from program, trip cancellation insurance, medical insurance, required vaccinations, medical and dental expenses, any non-program-related transportation needs, and anything not explicitly stated above.

Residential Program Fee: $11,250
Includes: all program activities, various materials for use in labs and skills-building activities, room, 3 meals per day (brunch / dinner on Sundays), use of select campus facilities, included program and residential excursions and daily activities, bed linens, pillow and towels, 24-hour residential care and support, staff accompanied airport transfer during specified windows.
Excludes: airfare/transportation to and from home city, courses and activities shown to have an extra fee, laundry, spending money, souvenirs, meals eaten away from program, airport transfers outside of specified windows, trip cancellation insurance, medical insurance, required vaccinations, medical and dental expenses, any non-program-related transportation needs, and anything not explicitly stated above.

Virtual Program Fee: $7,500
Includes: all program activities, PI mentorship, opening/closing events, poster session, lab notebook, included daily activities
Excludes: anything not explicitly stated above.

Non-Refundable Program Deposit: $550
A pre-payment on program fees is required to reserve space in the program within 10 business days of admission to the program
This deposit will be applied toward program fees and is not an additional fee
The balance of payment for program fees is due upon notification of charges, and no later than May 15
This deposit is non-refundable in the event of withdrawal from the program
Materials Fee: $200

Financial Aid

Tufts Pre-College Programs are committed to aiding students from all backgrounds. Although we have only limited need-based financial aid available, we do our best to distribute the funds to students for whom it can make the greatest difference in their ability to attend.
Financial Aid awards are made on a rolling basis to students with demonstrated need. We aim to provide enough aid to eligible students that they are able to successfully enroll and participate in the program.
If financial assistance is essential to your ability to attend the program, we recommend that you wait to pay the $550 non-refundable deposit until you have received your financial aid decision. Award decisions will be issued twice per month.

Please note:
International students are not eligible for financial aid at this time. Families should expect to contribute to the remaining portion of the program cost as well as other expenses like travel, books, etc.
We currently do not offer aid for students participating in our Leadership for Social Change Intensive