Research Project Mentoring

Dr. Alex will mentor your student through all phases of their extracurricular research projects, including Science Fairs, STEM Competitions and/or independent research on a STEM topic of your student’s interest leading to publication. In as few as 2-4 months, he can guide your student through a research project that culminates in a bona fide STEM publication or a phenomenal science fair or STEM competition entry. Reach out to learn more and discuss what works best for your student and family.

  • Dr. Alex’s research students join the Throop Research Academy, our high school and undergraduate student research institute.
  • First, Dr. Alex’s learns about your student’s STEM interests and passions, then we brainstorm project ideas that fit their preferences. Students can bring their own ideas or choose from an extensive list.
  • Dr. Alex and your student collaboratively design the research project and map out the activities and timeline.
  • Most projects can be done at home with an internet connection.
    • We have an exciting new biology laboratory option for students in the Washington DC metro area.
  • If beneficial, Dr. Alex will bring on additional technical mentors from his network at no extra cost to assist with things like special software or methods.
  • Actual Throop student research projects:
    • Treatments for neuroblastoma
    • Aerogels for spacecraft heat shields
    • Machine learning applied to music
    • Design and in silico evaluation of completely novel protein-binding proteins
    • Advanced robotic features for wheelchair users
    • Thermal Batteries
    • A study of AI-tools designed to assist with medical diagnosis
  • Your student will learn to access, read, and understand STEM literature so they can find out what’s been done before and formulate a novel project idea that can contribute to the field.
  • As the project proceeds, your student and Dr. Alex will write drafts of the research paper or report describing the project. Your student will learn hands-on about technical writing, how to use reference management software, making technical figures, research ethics and norms, and most importantly, how to think like a Scientist.

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”

Carl Sagan
  • When the research paper is complete, in addition to presenting the project at a STEM competition, we can submit the manuscript to a preprint server and even a peer-reviewed journal. There are several reputable journals that focus on high school-level research. Your student will learn about the publication process and will have documented authorship on a bona fide science or engineering publication! This is a coveted way for your student to distinguish themselves with a STEM research portfolio when applying to college STEM programs.
  • Performing a research project while in High School is also a great way for your student to learn whether they enjoy doing research or prefer other types of STEM careers.

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