Many aspire to research careers in biology, medicine, or biomedical engineering. Up to 20 students are selected based on their academic background, interest in scientific research, an essay, and teachers recommendations. In the first week, Summer Scholars work together in the lab to master selected basic research skills, including techniques used in molecular biology. For the following six weeks, they work with a mentor in a research lab to apply these tools to research problems. The summer program also includes an introduction to campus resources such as libraries and computers, a seminar series, and academic advising.
Participants can meet with advisors and register for fall classes while on campus during the summer.
The Scholars are housed together in a residence hall on campus. Weekend activities introduce them to St. Louis attractions ranging from the Missouri Botanical Garden to the Cardinals baseball team. Participation in the Summer Scholars Program in Biology and Biomedical Research is limited to students who will enter Washington University as full-time freshmen the following fall. Students must submit a freshman application to Washington University and indicate an interest in one of the sciences offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, or in Biomedical Engineering or Biological and Engineering Sciences through the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The deadline for applying to the summer program is January 15 of the applicant's senior year of high school.