STARS (Students Targeted toward Advanced Research Studies)
Ross Rowsey, STARS student, and
his mentor
Dr.
Terry Hassold.
"The STARS program has been an
extremely enjoyable and
beneficial experience for me.
With early integration into the
laboratory setting and lab work
starting my freshman year,
I am truly ahead of the curve
compared to my peers."
-Ross Rowsey, STARS student
and currently a junior in the
School of Molecular Biosciences.
Dr. Margret Black and STARS
student Nicole Clark
Educating the next generation of top scientists requires the
best training.
Biochemistry, Genetics and Cell Biology, or Microbiology
students in the School of Molecular Biosciences at Washington
State University can begin that training as freshman through the
Students Targeted toward Advanced Research Studies (STARS)
program. STARS gives select students a chance to accelerate
learning and earn a doctorate in as little as seven years after
leaving high school.
From their very first semester, WSU freshman in the STARS
program are immersed in research and receive one-on-one
mentorship from faculty members. STARS students perform
independent research in multiple labs supported through annual
stipends. By the end of the fourth year, they are also
completing their first year of graduate coursework.
Since the program began four years ago, STARS students have been
recognized by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence
in Education Program in science and engineering, published
scholarly papers, and finished their undergraduate degrees a
full semester ahead of schedule.
