A Comprehensive Guide to BTI's Summer Research Internship for High School Students

Participating in summer research internships, particularly in STEM fields, can significantly enhance a student's profile when applying to college. These programs provide hands-on experience, an understanding of research methodologies, and an opportunity to work alongside professionals in the field. 

One such experience is the BTI Summer Research Internship at Cornell University, which boasts a strong alumni network. Past participants have received recognition awards and were featured on issues covering innovative research in plant sciences. If you’d like to learn more about how you may become involved in such a strong network, keep reading!

What is BTI's Summer Research Internship?

The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) is a life science research institute located at Cornell University. It offers an immersive 8-week program for high school students interested in hands-on experience in plant science research. BTI conducts research into plant and life sciences to increase food security, improve environmental sustainability in agriculture, and make discoveries that enhance human life. 

The Summer Research Internship offers high school students an unparalleled opportunity to engage in plant science research. For each intern, the program offers a variety of projects spanning plant science, plant molecular biology, plant biotic interactions, bioinformatics, and biological engineering of plant systems. It aims to introduce students to plant science and computational biology, providing valuable insights into their future careers and academic majors. 

Is BTI's Summer Research Internship prestigious?

BTI's Summer Research Internship is well regarded in the scientific community. It’s an exclusive research experience at a reputable research center, where each participant gains an informative overview of the research industry. 

Only 10 high school interns are accepted each summer. While there is no public information on the acceptance rate of the program, it is safe to assume that the program is very competitive. 

What is the Program’s structure?

In 2024, the 8-week program will take place from June 25 to August 9. Each week, interns are paired with mentors and assigned specific research projects, spending most of their time conducting experiments and collecting data. The program includes workshops and seminars covering essential topics such as scientific writing, data analysis, and presentation skills, along with field trips to research facilities and biotech companies.

Social activities and networking events foster a sense of community and personal connections among interns. This structured approach ensures that interns refine technical skills while also understanding the broader context and applications of their research.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day starts with reviewing the day's objectives with your mentor, followed by morning lab work and data collection. After lunch, you’ll attend workshops or seminars and continue lab work in the afternoon, troubleshooting experiments and interpreting data until the day concludes around 5:00 PM. This structure balances practical research experience and educational development.

How can I apply for BTI's Summer Research Internship? Who is eligible?

Prospective students must complete an online application form on the BTI website. This application requires personal details, academic information, a statement of interest, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts to demonstrate their academic performance and readiness for the program. 

The application period usually opens in November and closes in early spring, with selected candidates being notified by mid-April. Eligibility is limited to high school students above 16 years old, not graduating seniors, and those regional to Ithaca, NY, year-round. Applicants must also have a strong interest in plant science or a related field. 

How much does it cost to attend BTI's Summer Research Internship?

The program is free, and you’ll even receive a $4,200 stipend for your participation! This makes the internship more accessible for families with financial need. 

What are the pros and cons of this program?

Now that we understand more about the program, let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of BTI’s Summer Research Internship:

Pros:

1. Hands-on research experience.

Interns engage directly in scientific experiments, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and develop technical skills in real-world scenarios.

2. Mentorship from experienced scientists.

Interns are paired with experienced mentors who guide them throughout their research projects, provide personalized support and insights, and can also offer career advice and tips for professional development.

3. Skill development in research and communication.

The program includes workshops and seminars focused on scientific writing, data analysis, and presentation skills. These sessions equip interns with the tools to communicate their research findings effectively.

4. Networking with peers and professionals in the field.

Interns have numerous opportunities to interact with fellow participants and professionals through social activities and networking events. Building these connections can lead to future collaborations and open doors to academic and career opportunities. 

5. Stipend to cover living expenses.

The program is fully funded, and interns receive a stipend to help with living expenses during the internship. This financial support ensures that passionate students can participate without the burden of additional costs. 

Cons:

1. Highly competitive selection process.

The BTI Summer Research Internship is highly sought after, attracting applications from many talented students. This high demand means limited acceptance, making it challenging to secure a spot.

2. Commitment to an intensive eight-week program.

The internship requires a full-time commitment for the entire eight weeks. The intensive nature of the program requires significant dedication and time management skills.

3. No provided housing or transportation.

While the program provides a stipend, it does not cover housing and transportation for non-local students. This means that participants must arrange and pay for their own accommodations and daily travel, which could be difficult for participants who live at a considerable distance from BTI.

4. The focus on plant science may be limiting.

The program's primary focus is on plant science and related research areas. Students interested in broader or different STEM fields might find the narrow focus less appealing.

5. Steep learning curve in a challenging research environment.

Working in a high-level research environment can be challenging, especially for students with limited prior laboratory experience. The complexity of the projects and the expectations from mentors can be overwhelming and stressful for some interns, potentially impacting their overall experience and performance.

If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! 

This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. 

You can find the application link here

Our Thoughts

The BTI Summer Research Internship is an outstanding opportunity for high school students passionate about plant science. The program offers hands-on research experience, expert mentorship, and valuable skill development in a real-world scientific setting. Despite the competitive nature and intensive commitment, the benefits such as networking opportunities and a supportive stipend make it highly rewarding. While there are some limitations, like the narrow focus on plant science and additional costs for travel, the experience gained can significantly boost academic and professional trajectories in the field of science.

One other option – the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.