The Students Transforming Academic Research in Science (STARS) Summer Scholars program, previously called the U-STAR Program, is an eight-week, residential summer research program for WashU undergraduate students interested in scientific research. Applicants must be current first-years/rising sophomores (i.e., sophomore status in August 2026). The goal of the program is to expose students, especially those from low-income and/or first-generation backgrounds, to mentored research in the context of a positive, personal, supportive, and critical scientific environment that drives student success in order to help them learn if they enjoy research.

Program benefits

• Eight weeks of mentored, full-time research in a WashU research lab (May 26 - July 17, 2026)
• On-campus housing (paid by program) and $3200 summer stipend
• Rigorous personalized training in scientific presentation
• Weekly evening science talks from PhD scientists about their research and career path
• Student panels on graduate school, medical school and the MD/PhD
• A closing symposium for all students and their labs
• Opening and closing dinners at the program director's house for students and their friends

Selection criteria

• Interest in a career in STEM-based research
• Academic course record that demonstrates clear engagement with the sciences
• Demonstration of any of the following:
  • Limited exposure to STEM-based research in high school
  • No college credits accrued during high school
  • High financial need
  • Barriers or challenges in one's educational and/or research journey

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 STARS Summer Scholars is not restricted based upon race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex or gender.

Application requirements

Applicants must be current first-years/rising sophomores (i.e., sophomore status in August 2026). Applications are due February 15, 2026, and include:

1. Personal information and short answers on previous research experience, community building, and program logistics.
2. Statement of purpose. In 1000 words or less, describe why you want to conduct scientific research, how you will benefit from the program, and your expected career plans. As applicable, address any barriers or challenges you have faced along your academic and/or research journey.
3. 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.
4. One recommendation. This recommendation should come from someone at WashU who is familiar with you and your interests. They need not be a science instructor, but can be any advisor or faculty representative whom you know. If you have already found a lab, the recommendation should come from your research mentor. Recommendations are due by February 15, the same deadline as all all application materials.

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

Program requirements

As part of the STARS Summer Scholars program, students are expected to:

• Attend a research ethics workshop held in June
• Attend the weekly uSTAR seminars throughout the summer
• Not enroll in any other courses or accept employment during the program dates
• Present at the STARS closing symposium during the last week of the program

Finding a mentor

Students need not identify a mentor prior to applying to the program. If selected for the program, we will work with each student to help them identify a mentor.

That said, if you would like to initiate the process of finding a mentor, we encourage you to start by visiting department websites and reading faculty biographies to identify faculty members whose academic interests align with your own.

If you need help reaching out to a specific faculty member, please contact Dr. Jim Skeath at jskeath@wustl.edu and/or visit the Undergraduate Research’s webpage on Finding a Mentor.

Housing

On-campus, apartment-style housing will be provided by the STARS program. Students will have access to a shared kitchen and linens (sheets, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, towels) will be provided. However, program participants will be responsible for providing their own kitchenware. We recommend arranging with your suite mates prior to move-in.