15 Lab Opportunities in Michigan for High School Students

Key Takeaways

• These 15 lab opportunities span major Michigan institutions like the University of Michigan, Michigan State, and Wayne State, covering fields from biomedical research and nuclear physics to computational biology and engineering.
• Many programs, including BioMed Focus, the Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship, and MI-AHEC BCAP, are free to attend and also provide a stipend, while others, like Summer Springboard’s Human Genetics program and Michigan Math and Science Scholars, charge tuition running into the thousands.
• Several programs restrict eligibility by residency or region, such as BioMed Focus requiring commuting distance to Ann Arbor and MI-AHEC BCAP prioritizing Wayne County or Detroit Public Schools students, so location matters more here than in a typical statewide list.
• Nearly all placements pair you with a faculty mentor, PhD student, or postdoctoral researcher on an active project, and most conclude with a poster session, symposium, or formal presentation where you share your findings.
• Program length and format vary considerably too, from short one-week experiences like MSU’s PAN program to longer eight-week research placements like BioMed Focus and the Discovery to Cure Program.

Lab opportunities give you a chance to explore how scientific research and experimentation work beyond the classroom. You’ll get to work on real projects and use some of the same tools researchers use every day. You might learn how to run experiments, collect and analyze data, use microscopes and laboratory equipment, test samples, write research notes, and present your findings. Some opportunities focus on fields such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, medicine, engineering, and computer science. If you’re interested in STEM and want hands-on experience, these programs can help you explore different subjects and build skills used in research and science careers.

Why should you choose a program in Michigan for high school students?

Michigan is home to several major research universities, medical centers, and technology-focused organizations that offer opportunities for students interested in STEM. You can find opportunities at institutions such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University in fields like medicine, biology, engineering, and computer science. The state is also known for its automotive and manufacturing industries, where you can explore robotics, materials science, and advanced engineering. Plus, with the Great Lakes right nearby, you can find unique research experiences in environmental science and ecology. 

Here are 15 lab opportunities in Michigan for high school students.

However, if you’re looking for research programs in Michigan, you can find them here. You can also check out summer research opportunities for high school students in Michigan here.

1. University of Michigan’s BioMed Focus

BioMed Focus is an eight-week summer internship where you’ll gain hands-on biomedical research experience in labs at Michigan Medicine. You’ll work full-time with a research mentor, like a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher, to complete your own laboratory research project alongside University of Michigan scientists. You’ll take science communication and college prep courses, write a research paper, prepare a research manuscript, and give a 10-minute presentation at a symposium. You’ll build lab skills, learn to read scientific papers, prepare college essays, and learn about scholarships. You’ll also improve your writing and presentation skills, explore science careers, collaborate with professional scientists, and hear from current college and graduate students about their experiences.

2. MSU St. Andrews Summer Research Program

MSU St. Andrews, in partnership with the ACS, offers a summer research program where you’ll work with active researchers on real-world projects in applied chemistry and materials science. You’ll use advanced lab equipment to identify and analyze chemical compounds, fabricate and test 3D-printed materials, and conduct experiments in research teams at the MSU St. Andrews research facility. You’ll get to explore STEM careers, build your research skills, and gain experience that can help you join university research labs later. The program ends with a research poster presentation, and you’ll be encouraged to enter local, regional, and state science fairs.

3. University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program

The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship is a six-week residential program in which you will experience life as professional scientists at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute. You’ll join a life sciences research team, work at the bench in a host laboratory, and complete a project that contributes data to ongoing research. The experiments will depend on your host lab. You will collect, analyze, and present scientific data, and learn laboratory techniques, research methods, and foundational data science skills. You’ll also get to present your findings to a community of scientists, explore STEM careers, receive college advising and test prep, and connect with mentors. 

4. Michigan State University: Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) by JINA-CEE 

Michigan State University’s Physics of Atomic Nuclei program is a week-long experience for U.S. high school students interested in nuclear science. You’ll work with faculty, staff, and students at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. It is one of the world’s leading laboratories for rare-isotope and nuclear physics, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. You’ll perform modern physics experiments using professional equipment to measure radioactive isotope half-lives, carry out Rutherford scattering calculations, and learn nuclear spectroscopy techniques. You’ll learn about precision measurement, rare isotope research, astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear science. You’ll also work in small research teams and present your experimental findings to faculty and fellow participants.

5. Wayne State University’s MI-AHEC Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP)

Wayne State University’s MI AHEC Biomedical Career Advancement Program allows you to explore careers in health sciences and research. You’ll work with a School of Medicine faculty mentor on an independent health sciences research project, complete laboratory training, conduct experiments, analyze data, and present your findings at the program’s research symposium. You’ll also work with senior research and clinical faculty, receive one-on-one mentoring, and collaborate with other students. You’ll participate in activities like lab safety training, gel electrophoresis, phlebotomy, microscopy, pipetting, CPR, and checking blood pressure and heart rate, as well as professional development, networking, and career panels. BCAP alumni can also apply to become BCAP Scholars and prepare projects for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.

6. MiRcore Computational Biology Hybrid Camp

The MiRcore Computational Biology Hybrid Camp is designed for students interested in medicine, science, math, and computation. Before the program, you’ll review basic concepts like transcription and translation. During the camp, you’ll work in small groups to study a disease using real patient RNA expression data, explore possible diagnostics or treatments, and analyze disease-related genes and biomarkers with bioinformatics tools. You’ll build data science skills by using statistical methods such as t-tests and gene ontology, with a focus on open-ended research rather than fixed answers. If you attend in person, you’ll get to participate in wet-lab experiments. You’ll also present a capstone research project and become eligible to continue research as a miRcore volunteer.

7. Eastern Michigan University: High School Summer Science Program (HS3P)  

Eastern Michigan University’s High School Summer Science Program is a three-week research experience for local students. You’ll work in a team of two with a faculty mentor and an undergraduate research student on a chemistry, biology, or physics research project. You’ll conduct real scientific research to generate new knowledge rather than completing standard classroom experiments. You’ll learn laboratory techniques, data collection, data analysis, lab safety, research ethics, and how to interpret and communicate research findings. You’ll prepare and deliver a formal scientific presentation at the end of the program to share your results. The experience will give you the chance to work in an authentic university research environment alongside faculty and student researchers.

8. Wayne State University Anderson College of Engineering: Summer Academy  

Wayne State University’s Anderson College of Engineering Summer Academy is a one-week day camp during which you’ll get to explore computer science, technology, engineering, and innovation through real-world projects in coding, construction, design, and game development. You can choose from two cohorts with the same curriculum and register for one, two, or all three camps. Depending on your track, you might take part in immersive lab-based activities and technical experimentation. Camp options include Microbit, Smart Cities, Apple Code and Create, Construction Technologies, Cardboard Boats, and Minecraft Game Design. You might build a micro: bit processor, create apps with Swift and Xcode, explore sustainability and construction technologies, and design boats and game worlds.

9. MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP)

Michigan State University’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Program allows you to experience college life and explore careers in agriculture, natural resources, food science, and related fields. You’ll work with a College of Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty mentor on a real-world research project and take part in daily research activities. You’ll gain hands-on experience in university labs and field settings using computers and scientific equipment as well as explore areas like food science, horticulture, agricultural engineering, crop and soil sciences, animal sciences, forestry, environmental management, and veterinary medicine. You’ll also attend leadership seminars, field trips, technical training, and social events and interact with faculty, professionals, students, and agricultural industry leaders.

10. University of Michigan’s Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers

The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers program allows you to explore nuclear engineering through hands-on academic, technical, and research experiences. You’ll participate in math and science tutoring and college entrance exam preparation, as well as develop college readiness, technical communication, and leadership skills. You’ll also take part in community design projects and workshops on deep time, speculative design, and community energy systems. You’ll visit the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory, ZEUS laser system, the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Virtual Ford Nuclear Reactor, and an operating nuclear power plant. You’ll also take part in hands-on labs, technical workshops, and real-world design and research projects with faculty and industry mentors. You might also get to collaborate with faculty on research projects and build valuable research skills.

11. Wayne State University’s Discovery To Cure Program

The Discovery to Cure Program gives you hands-on research experience in labs at the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development at Wayne State University School of Medicine. You’ll spend about 40 hours each week for 8 weeks in the lab working with a faculty mentor, research assistant, or postdoc. You’ll complete your own research project by developing a hypothesis, running experiments, and analyzing results. Your training may cover fields like oncology, genomics, prenatal medicine, reproductive biology, environmental science, toxicology, immunology, precision medicine, data analysis, bioinformatics, and biomedical research methods. You may also explore topics like single-cell transcriptomics, analyze large datasets, contribute to research publications, and present your findings in a 10-minute presentation. You can check out examples of past intern projects here.

12. Michigan Math and Science Scholars

The Michigan Math and Science Scholars program offers two-week faculty-led STEM courses for high school students. You can choose from subjects like math, physics, computer science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, psychology, earth and environmental sciences, and art and music. You might study topics such as graph theory, brain and behavior, number theory, forensic physics, calculus, the Gale-Shapley algorithm, and quantum computing. You’ll learn from faculty and graduate students through labs, fieldwork, lectures, computer projects, and hands-on activities using University of Michigan labs and technology. Lab work includes faculty-designed undergraduate-level experiments rather than independent research. 

13. Michigan Tech University’s Women in Engineering (WIE) Pathway Program

The Women in Engineering program is a one-week experience for high school students to explore careers in engineering and science with students from around the world. You’ll attend engineering sessions and special topic presentations, work on group projects, and learn about fields such as aerospace, electrical and computer, environmental, geohazards, chemical, civil, mechanical, materials science, and robotics engineering. You’ll also take part in hands-on, project-based learning in two engineering fields of your choice and collaborate with teammates during Applied Project Sessions. Along the way, you will meet engineering professionals, build interpersonal skills, join team competitions, and enjoy outdoor activities in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula.

14. Lawrence Technological University: High School Summer Programs

Lawrence Technological University’s Marburger STEM Center offers summer programs for you to explore hands-on STEM experiences in advanced campus labs and design studios and receive guidance from expert professors. You can choose from tracks like robotics, cybersecurity, architectural design, entrepreneurship, and more. If you pick the Robotics program, you’ll assemble circuits and wire Arduino microcontrollers with responsive sensors. The Run of the Mill program will allow you to work in a fabrication lab using industrial manufacturing equipment and complete a welding project. In Engineering Sustainable Spaces, you’ll conduct water sampling, watershed management, and biological bacteria testing in environmental labs. This program will help you build practical skills using Lawrence Technological University’s advanced equipment and turn classroom concepts into real-world experience.

15. Summer Springboard’s Foundations of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan

The Foundations of Human Genetics program at the University of Michigan introduces you to genetics and how DNA influences traits, medicine, technology, genetic disorders, and society. You’ll take part in hands-on wet-lab experiments, including bacterial transformation and genetic engineering, and explore DNA barcoding, gene sequences, bioinformatics, and data analysis. You’ll analyze genetic data to study real-world genetic disorders, design experiments, interpret results, examine inheritance patterns, and discuss ethical issues in genetic research. The program includes labs, simulations, case studies, and computational biology tools to help you develop research skills. You’ll also learn about career paths in healthcare, biotechnology, research, and public health.

One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program

If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like investigative journalism, media studies, political reporting, data journalism, and the ethics of news and information, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of lab opportunities are available to high school students in Michigan?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including biomedical research placements like BioMed Focus and the Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship, specialized physics and engineering programs like MSU’s PAN program and the Harper Academy for Future Nuclear Engineers, and shorter skills-based camps like MiRcore’s Computational Biology Hybrid Camp and Wayne State’s Anderson College Summer Academy. There’s also a strong range of agricultural and environmental options, like MSU’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Program, if your interests lean toward natural resources rather than medicine or engineering.

Do you need prior lab experience to apply?

It depends on the program. BioMed Focus actually gives preference to students with no previous laboratory experience, while others, like Summer Springboard’s Human Genetics program, expect a minimum GPA rather than specific lab background. Programs like Eastern Michigan’s HS3P require you to have completed at least one science course before applying.

Are there free options available?

Yes, several programs on this list don’t charge a fee. BioMed Focus, the Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship, MSU’s PAN program, MI-AHEC BCAP, and Eastern Michigan’s HS3P are all free to participate in, and many of these also provide a stipend on top of being free.

Which programs offer the highest stipends?

BioMed Focus offers the highest stipend on this list at $4,000, and the Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship provides $3,000. MI-AHEC BCAP and MSU’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Program also offer paid opportunities, though exact amounts depend on available funding for BCAP specifically.

Which programs are restricted by residency or region?

Several of these programs have geographic requirements. BioMed Focus requires commuting distance to Ann Arbor, MI-AHEC BCAP prioritizes Wayne County or Detroit Public Schools students, and the Harper Academy is limited to Michigan-designated schools within 500 miles of Ann Arbor. Others, like Michigan Math and Science Scholars and Lawrence Technological University’s programs, are open more broadly to students regardless of specific county or region.

Which programs focus specifically on physics or nuclear science?

If nuclear science or physics interests you, MSU’s Physics of Atomic Nuclei program and the University of Michigan’s Harper Academy for Future Nuclear Engineers are the most directly relevant options, both giving you access to facilities like the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. Lawrence Technological University’s Robotics track also touches on applied physics concepts through circuit assembly and sensor work, if you want a slightly less specialized introduction.

When should you apply?

Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. The Harper Academy has one of the earliest deadlines in January, followed by BioMed Focus (January, tentative) and the Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship (February 15). March brings a cluster of deadlines, including MSU’s PAN program (early March) and the Discovery to Cure Program (March 13 to 30), while MSU St. Andrews and Eastern Michigan’s HS3P both close May 1.

Image source: University of Michigan