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 research institute.

Example Throop student research projects:

  • In silico design and evaluation of de novo protein-binding proteins
  • Treatments for neuroblastoma
  • Aerogels for spacecraft heat shields
  • Machine learning for music file “demixing”
  • Machine learning to predict walking irregularities in Parkinson’s disease patients
  • Advanced robotic features for wheelchair users
  • Thermal batteries for overnight heat
  • A study of AI-tools designed to assist with medical diagnosis

Dr. Alex is an expert on the ISEF-affiliated science and engineering fairs, including their

  • Rules
  • Deliverables
  • Judging rubrics
  • Calendar
  • ISEF competitions are a great choice
    • Come with built-in deadlines
    • Any kind of award signifies to colleges that the student has completed legitimate, original research, not merely a superficial pay-to-play “research” program.
  • Many a parent has regretted the stress of attempting to manage the complexities of these competitions and their required paperwork for their student.
    • With Dr. Alex, your student gets professional advice and guidance and a better chance of winning an award or being selected for the next level of the competition.
  • Dr. Alex is also experienced with and very knowledgeable about the Davidson Fellows Scholarship and the Conrad Challenge.

Research Mentoring Process

  • 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.
  • 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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