2026 George Mason University Summer Internship Young Scholars Program

Total $3,750

Description

Summer 2026 Young Scholars Program

Diseases and Therapeutics from the Microscopic World

Hosted by
The Center for Infectious Disease Research
School of Systems Biology
Schar School of Policy and Government
George Mason University
Format
Hybrid program
Primarily virtual, with optional in person sessions at the GMU Science and Technology Campus
Program Dates
June 20 – September 5, 2026 (12 week program)

Phase 1: Research and Learning

Weeks 1–7, Saturdays: June 20 – August 1
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST
• Live virtual research sessions
• Faculty led instruction and discussion
• Guided project development
• Optional office hours and small group meetings by RSVP
Research Project Assignment
Admitted students will receive a Research Project Preference Form and must submit their ranked choices by June 13.
Final project assignments will be announced during the first session.
Phase 2: BioScience Research Conference Day
Week 8: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST
• In person laboratory visits
• Research presentations and academic discussion
• Faculty evaluation and awards
Students will visit GMU research facilities, including biomedical and infectious disease laboratories, and present their work to faculty and peers.
Students may attend in person or virtually (Lunch is provided for in person participants).
Phase 3: Final Paper Refinement
Weeks 9–12: August 15 – September 5, 2026
• Dedicated four week period for paper revision
• Strengthening research logic, data analysis, and academic writing
Final Research Paper Deadline: September 5, 2026

Program Overview

This program introduces high school students to advanced biomedical research focused on infectious diseases and modern therapeutic strategies. Students work closely with university researchers to explore how viruses, bacteria, and microscopic biological systems affect human health.
Research topics include virus host interactions, HIV treatment strategies, antimicrobial resistance, immune system responses, extracellular vesicles, and the application of AI and computational methods in disease research.
This is a research based academic program, not a lecture only course.
Skills and Learning Outcomes
Students will
• Read and analyze real scientific research papers
• Build foundational knowledge in virology, immunology, and microbiology
• Learn how to design research questions and interpret experimental data
• Develop experience in data analysis and statistical reasoning
• Write a structured scholarly research paper
• Present research findings in a professional academic setting
Research Output and Publication
• Final papers will be published on
Schar School Young Scholars Journal
George Mason University Library MARS Repository
• Each member of the top performing research teams will receive a
$500 scholarship
Applicable to future Young Scholars programs at the Schar School
Faculty Leadership
Research projects are led by GMU faculty specializing in infectious disease research, systems biology, virology, and computational biology.
Certificate and Recognition
Students who successfully complete the program will receive
• Young Scholars Research Program Certificate of Completion
• BioScience: AI and Life Science in Disease Research
Conference Awards and Scholarships
Who Should Apply
This program is designed for high school students who are
• Interested in biomedical science and disease research
• Considering future studies in medicine, life sciences, or public health
• Seeking a serious research experience with academic depth
Students complete the full research cycle from literature review and data analysis to writing and formal presentation.
Registration and Fees
Tuition: $3,650 + Registration Fee $100 (HS2 College Counseling Students: $3,350)

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