Academies
Welcome, High School SCHOLARS!
The Scarlet Horizons Learning Academies at Rutgers (SCHOLAR) is a collection of non-credit, research-oriented summer academies for high school students (age 16+) interested in scientific research and its real-world applications.
Each two-week Academy will feature:
- Cutting-edge Rutgers research
- Numerous lab tours and engaging hands-on activities
- Networking opportunities with world-class faculty and current Rutgers undergraduates
- Site visits to external research-oriented organizations and global hi-tech companies
- Presentations on undergraduate research opportunities
- A preview of career pathways
- A certificate of completion
- Great food!
Three SCHOLAR academies will be offered in the summer of 2024 with several more in the pipeline for 2025. All academies are held in person on weekdays from Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 19, 2024. Explore our programs and join us on an unforgettable summer journey of discovery and exploration!
Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Chemistry is often referred to as the “central science” because of its overlap with a wide variety of fields of study and practical/industrial applications. For instance, biology, modern medicine, and energy production all rely extensively on chemistry! In our SCHOLAR program, you will investigate how spectroscopic techniques can uncover counterfeit currency and illuminate hidden text from ancient historical manuscripts. You'll explore how electrocatalysts can increase the viability of fuel cells to power our modern world. You'll witness how our expansive Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) facility affords us structural insight into the structure and function of biomolecules and many other compounds relevant to our daily lives!
Cognitive Science & Psychology
Cognitive science is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to comprehend the human mind and its functions. It examines how the mind processes information, solves problems, and engages in intelligent behavior. At Rutgers, cognitive scientists strive to understand the inner workings of the mind, including processes such as perception, language processing, planning, problem-solving, reasoning, and learning. This extensive field draws from various disciplines, including psychology, computer science, neuroscience, philosophy, linguistics, anthropology, ethology, mathematics, and engineering. The Cognitive Science Academy provides high school students with an in-depth overview of the field by engaging them in captivating experiments designed to unveil the mysteries of the human mind.
Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain and Spinal Cord
Neuroscience is a fascinating field that explores how our nervous system works, from individual neurons to the complex networks that drive our thoughts and behaviors. It investigates everything from how neurons communicate with each other to how our brain responds to injury or addiction. Scientists use a variety of research tools and methods to unlock the secrets of the brain and spinal cord. Neuroscience is not just about science. It also raises important ethical questions. As we develop innovative technologies and treatments, we must think about their potential moral and social impact. It challenges us to consider how we want to use our understanding of the brain for the greater good. Overall, neuroscience is an ever-evolving field that expands our knowledge of the brain and spinal cord and opens doors to new ways of helping people, while prompting us to think deeply about the responsibilities that come with this knowledge.
