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Summer Research Training Program

June 30 – July 25, 2025 (4-weeks)

Research Training

Become a Science Star!

Dream of being a scientist? The USDA Pathway to University Program (USDA-PUP) offers an exclusive Summer Research Training Program for 10 standout students from our Summer Camp. This is your chance to work side-by-side with UH faculty and graduate students, dive into real research, and get a head start on a college career in Food Science, Nutrition, or Agricultural Biotechnology.

What You’ll Do

Over a few intensive weeks, you’ll:

  • Master Cool Techniques: Learn lab skills like analyzing nutrients or engineering plant genes – stuff you could only read about in a textbook.
  • Design Your Own Experiments: Team up with mentors to create and test ideas that could solve real-world problems.
  • Sharpen Your Skills: Build critical thinking, teamwork, and communication chops that’ll impress colleges and future hiring supervisors.
  • Get the Inside Scoop: Hang out with pros who’ll show you how science turns into careers.

This isn’t just practice, it’s the real deal, preparing you for degrees and jobs in fields that feed the world and keep it healthy.

Why It’s Awesome

You’ll walk away with hands-on experience, a tighter bond with UH mentors, and a serious edge for college apps. Only 10 students get this shot, so it’s a big deal and a ton of fun too!

How to Get In

Here’s the deal: Join our Summer Camp first, then shine brightly! We will select up to 10 students based on enthusiasm, curiosity, and participation during camp. No extra application, just shows us what you’ve got.    

Step up from camper to researcher your science journey starts now!

Week 1

  • Skills for Conducting Research
  • Visit UH Instrumentation Facilities
  • Safety Training
  • Student Survey
  • Students grouped in teams to work in 5 research labs specialized in Food Science, Nutrition, and Agricultural Biotechnology.

Weeks 2-4

  • Students work with graduate students to get trained in laboratory procedures.
  • Students design and conduct experiments under the supervision of graduate students
  • Students prepare weekly reports to present at lab group meetings.
  • Students prepare PowerPoint presentations to summarize research accomplishments.

 

  • Students will receive $1,000 each and a certificate.