Maggie Walkoff

Sophomore Clara Sun completes a lab on DNA in her Honors Biology class.

The Students and Teachers as Research Scientists (STARS) summer program taking place at the University of Missouri St. Louis has enrolled a total of 89 students, the largest group in its 25 years. Juniors Saqib Hassan, Zohair Siddiqui, William Tong and sophomore Clara Sun were among the chosen students.

“We sent in an application to UMSL with a written essay and our transcript. I wrote my essay on the applications of biology, as well as the recent breakthroughs in science that can really shed light on our problems today. I’m inclined towards biology because I really like the study of cells, and biology can be used for practical applications. I’m excited about getting a hands-on experience and exploring and contributing to an important scientific concept,” Siddiqui said.

The STARS program pairs students with a mentor from UMSL, Washington University, Saint Louis University and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to help them study and learn about specific science topics.

“My field of study deals with inorganic chemistry, laser spectroscopy and magnetic resonance. I’ll be spending six weeks participating in STARS in which I hope to not only be present in a professional environment, but to also learn sophisticated and complex lab techniques outside of school. It will give me insight to what working in a lab will be like and all the pros and cons of doing lab research,” Hassan said.

From June 9 to July 18, the main focus of the STARS program is to prepare and present a research paper.

“I’m researching computational genomics, which uses computer programs to sort biological data that is received. I basically try to make sense of all the enormous amounts of data about the human body, as well as detect things like pathogens in water through computation. I hope to achieve a solid research paper and a successful project by the end of the program and hopefully even co-author a paper,” Tong said.

In addition, students will go through detailed lessons and be introduced to a variety of career options.

“The students in STARS will meet twice a week and attend lectures together by nationally-known scientists, as well as participate in other activities to spur our growth as budding scientists,” Tong said.

Outside of studies, the students will also enjoy social events such as an ice cream social, bowling, the St. Louis Symphony and a St. Louis Cardinals game.

“I’m most excited about working in a real science lab and making new friends. I hope to learn a lot and further my passion for science. This program will definitely help me with writing research papers, and it will be a useful experience,” Sun said.