The Biology Youth Research Program is a dual purpose project designed to provide professional development to graduate students in the biological sciences and to provide high school students with exposure to college level research projects.
We are committed to providing educationally valuable and fun experiences to all of our participants.
Please feel free to contact the current coordinator of the BYRP Program:
Carrie L. Hall, M.S.
hallcarr@isu.edu
Information for Prospective Participants
Program Description
The Biology Youth Research Program (BYRP) is a field and laboratory based research experience for high school students. High school students are paired with graduate student mentors from the Department of Biological Sciences to work on experiments directly pertaining to the graduate student's thesis work. The high school students will work in conjunction with the graduate students, receiving hands on experience in laboratory and/or field research. Laboratory research is performed on the ISU campus in the Gale Life Science and associated buildings. Field research is performed at various locations around the Intermountain West, and may involve extended trips including road travel and camping. Available research projects may change each semester depending on the focus of research projects of the graduate student mentors. Students are required to provide appropriate clothing and footwear for field research.
All high school participants must register for at least one credit with ISU to participate in the program. All graduate student mentor participants have the permission and support of their respective major advisors. All high school student participants must have the permission of their parents or legal guardians. Grades are recorded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Do's and Don'ts for the program
All high school students will be trained in laboratory and field safety practices the first day of participation before research begins. Graduate students must prepare a lab procedures and safety check list for review by the program coordinator. Upon completion of the safety training the high school student will sign the safety procedure checklist. - No hazardous substances or venomous animals will be handled by the high school students.
- All travel will be pre-approved by the program head. A travel plan must be submitted including route and destination of travel, type of vehicle, expected duration of trip and contact information. A cellular phone and first aid kit must be present in the vehicle for all travel.
- Do ask questions. Questions are encouraged. If you have any concerns or troubles please talk to the program coordinator.
- Contact information will be exchanged during the first meeting. Graduate Students will be available to talk to parents if requested during the semester.
- No alcohol or illegal substances are permitted in association with any BYRP activity or function.
Forms
The following forms must be completed before acceptance to the program:
Graduate Student Mentors:
High School Research Assistants: