The Summer 2022 program hosted 24 area high school students who participated in person for eight weeks from June 20 through August 12 at St. Andrews.

Students worked alongside preceptors in hands-on research across nine topic areas in organic chemistry, environmental science, and materials science. New in 2022 was the addition of two research opportunities in Radio frequency identification (RFID) for Food Packaging Applications through MSU’s Axia Institute, now located at the St. Andrews research facility.

The shift from the online format during the height of the Pandemic back to in-person activities determined that the summer research required significant downsizing, not only for safety reasons but also to improve the quality of the student research experience.

The program included a trip to Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing, where students toured the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, The Max T. Rogers NMR facility, and the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. Students also had an opportunity to explore campus, including lunch at Brody Dining Hall and the MSU Dairy Store.

Participating students represented six high schools from Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties. Two students participated through the ACS Project SEED program, which St. Andrews has partnered with since 2016.

The eight-week program culminated with research poster presentations held on August 11 at St. Andrews. The event was open to the public as well as family, friends, and teachers of the student researchers. More than 100 attended to view the student research outcomes and tour the facility.