The Students Transforming Academic Research in Science (STARS) Academic Year Program (formerly U-STAR) is a two-year, junior-/senior-level, research-based honors program for WashU undergraduate students interested in graduate studies in biological and biomedical sciences. Applicants are typically current sophomores/rising juniors (i.e., juniors as of August 2026). This cohort-based program offers students essential professional development training and personalized academic advising all within a supportive community network.

Program benefits

Students accepted to the STARS Academic Year Program benefit from workshops on personal statements and poster presentations, grad/undergrad joint dinners, and membership in a close-knit, supportive academic community. If funding allows, students also receive partial or full travel benefits to present at ABRCMS, an undergraduate research conference.

Program eligibility

• Students must have attained junior-year standing by August 2026.
• Students must either be in a research lab (preferred) or have identified a research mentor.
• We especially encourage applications from students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are first-generation college students, and/or have otherwise faced significant obstacles in their pursuit of higher education. Eligibility for the STARS Academic Year Program is not restricted based upon race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex or gender.

Program requirements

As part of the STARS Academic Year Program, students are expected to:

• Commit to the two-year program during both their junior and senior years.
• Conduct mentored research for 10+ hours per week during the academic year.
• Attend a weekly, 1.5-hour scientific presentation course every semester.
• Present their research at conference, e.g., ABRCMS or the Undergraduate Research Symposium, at least once per year.

Application requirements

Applicants should be current sophomores/rising juniors (i.e., juniors as of August 2026). Most students join for junior and senior years, but we do sometimes include students for senior year only.

Application components, due Sunday, March 15, 2026, include:

1. Statement of purpose. In 1000 words or less, describe why you want to join the STARS Academic Year Program and what you anticipate gaining from the experience, including the program’s relevance to your career goals. Your statement might address how you became interested in research, your prior research experience, your proposed research for the next two years, and any barriers or challenges you have faced along your academic and/or research journey.
2. Statement of perspective. A key goal of the STARS Academic Year program is to create a supportive community of undergraduate researchers who enrich and challenge one another through peer feedback and mentorship. In 1000 words or less, describe what unique perspective or experience you will contribute to this collaborative scientific community.
3. List of publications, if applicable. These can include oral or poster presentations, including at the WashU Undergraduate Research Symposia. If none, simply say “None.”
4. PDF of unofficial transcript. Your GPA is not a final indicator of acceptance to the program; instead, your transcript provides a history of courses you have taken.
5. Two recommendations from WashU faculty or advisors. These recommendations, like all application components, should be submitted by March 15, 2026, so please be sure to contact your recommenders well in advance of the deadline.

If you have questions regarding STARS, Program Director Dr. Jim Skeath can be reached at (jskeath@wustl.edu).