Howard Payne University’s School of Science and Mathematics invites high school students to apply for admission to the second annual Summer Research Symposium, scheduled for July 1 through August 5, 2024. Applications are now open and will be accepted until May 17.

The symposium provides students with a paid laboratory experience prior to their attending university. This program lasts for four weeks, during which each student will partner with another applicant as well as an HPU student researching a current topic in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). At the conclusion of the research, students will have the opportunity to present their results to their family and friends.

“Participants will be able to perform one of three proposed research topics,” said Dr. Dennis Gibson, associate professor of chemistry and department chair of physical sciences. “These topics include developing an alternative to inhibit the growth of bacteria in preservative-free eye drops, extracting and testing novel fluorescent probes for understanding the formation of microplastics, and optimizing a new extraction technique of a common bio-polymer.”

Interested students may apply at www.hputx.edu/summerresearch. Questions about the Summer Research Symposium can be sent to Dr. Gibson at [email protected].