Students Taking Advantage of Research (STAR) Lab is a mentoring program that supports high school students doing authentic research projects. Although housed in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, STAR Lab is open to students conducting research in all fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to students living anywhere in Arizona through both remote and in-person mentoring options.
As members of STAR Lab, students are paired, individually or in small groups, with a research mentor in their field of interest. Mentors meet with their mentees weekly and help guide them through the development and execution of their research projects. STAR Lab students also meet remotely each week with a group of their peers for a discussion-based class in which they engage in activities related to enhancing both scientific-reasoning and communication skills. The program culminates in students presenting their research to the public at the STAR Lab Showcase. By the end of the program, students are also well prepared to present their research at their school or regional science/engineering fair (e.g., SARSEF Fair, YES Fair, AzSEF, Arizona Junior Science and Humanities Symposium).
The STAR Lab program runs annually from late September to early March (excluding Thanksgiving week and winter break), with student applications due at the beginning of September. As part of the program, students are registered for MCB 103B, which is a 3-credit UA course. Tuition is $176.50, but scholarships are available for students who find the cost a barrier to participating.
STAR Lab offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain research experience while exploring their interests in STEM and future career options, as well as honing their written and oral communication skills. STAR Lab students are part of a community of fellow aspiring scientists and engineers who are supported throughout the program by STEM research experts, providing an engaging and rewarding learning experience for all.
STAR Lab is a commitment. Students should expect to spend 5-10 hours a week working on their projects. Two of those hours each week will be spent in meetings, one with the student’s mentor and one in a discussion-based class held remotely and facilitated by trained UA STEM undergraduates. Several of these “facilitator meetings” are available throughout the week, generally with 1-2 options available per weekday between the hours of 3:30 and 7:30 pm. Student meeting times with their research mentor will depend on the availability of the mentor and the student. The rest of the time each week will be spent independently with students working on their research projects and course assignments.
The major assignments for the STAR Lab course (MCB 103B) will be a research proposal, a final paper, and a slide deck that will be presented at the STAR Lab Showcase. The slide deck will be in the format required for science/engineering fairs that follow ISEF guidelines, thereby preparing students to present their research optionally at their regional science/engineering fair.
Prospective students should seriously consider the time commitment that is necessary to be successful in STAR Lab before applying to the program, including their availability to meet with their mentor and make progress on their project each week. Participation in STAR Lab is a valuable, impactful learning experience, but only if students can dedicate the necessary time and energy.
Students interested in participating in STAR Lab must be at least 16 years old when the program starts in late September and must be attending a high school in Arizona. Applicants should also have a genuine interest in science and in experiencing an authentic research project. Students from underrepresented communities in STEM or Title I schools are especially encouraged to apply.
The number of applicants who can be accepted to STAR Lab each year is dependent on the number of volunteer mentors available and on their research areas of expertise aligning with applicant interests. The STAR Lab Selection Committee will do its best to partner applicants with a mentor in a research area of interest to the student, as indicated on the student’s application.
Details for the 2025-26 application will be available this summer, with applications due September 1, 2025. Please fill out this form to receive an email when student applications open in July 2025.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Daryn Stover, STAR Lab Director of Research, at dastover@arizona.edu or 520-626-4664.
Are you interested in high school outreach and sharing your research with the next generation of scientists and engineers? Are you a graduate student, postdoc, professor, or STEM professional? Consider becoming a STAR Lab Mentor!
STAR Lab Mentors work with students to decide on a feasible research question and guide them through completion of their research project, ensuring the scientific integrity of the project. Students can work on their projects in STAR Lab located on UA Main Campus in Biological Sciences West, in the mentor’s lab space at UA, or remotely (e.g., on computational projects). Mentors are expected to meet with their students, either in person or remotely, for at least one hour a week to discuss project progress. Mentors are also expected to review drafts of major assignments (research proposal, research paper, and presentation slides) to ensure that students are representing their projects accurately. Students receive additional assignment support from STAR Lab staff, including through weekly meetings with undergraduate facilitators. Graduate student coordinators are also available to assist mentors and students in the research process, including offering instructional support in statistics, coding, and lab techniques.
Apply to become a STAR Lab Mentor here . Applications are due annually by the end of August.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Daryn Stover, STAR Lab Director of Research, at dastover@arizona.edu or 520-626-4664. STAR Lab equipment and supply lists available upon request.
Are you a UA junior or senior with previous research experience? Are you interested in outreach or teaching? Consider becoming a STAR Lab Facilitator and share your love of research with high school students!