Sci-High Program

In 2018, Northwestern University's NU GoKidney launched the SciHigh Summer Program, a 7-week paid internship initiated by the late Dr. William "Bill" Schnaper. Designed for rising juniors and seniors from Chicago high schools, the program aimed to build students’ skills and confidence in STEM. SciHigh offered hands-on learning and mentorship from scientists, physicians, and medical trainees. In 2019, Louis Simpson and Kimberly Querrey endowed the program, enabling it to nearly triple in size and expand its impact on aspiring young scientist.

Each scholar in the program is matched with a Northwestern University faculty mentor based on shared research interests. Together, they develop a research project within the mentor’s area of expertise, which the scholar works on throughout the summer and presents at the program’s conclusion.

In addition to research, scholars participate in weekly workshops focused on research development, evaluation, and communication. These include hands-on and virtual sessions led by experts across STEMM fields.

The NUGoKidney program is based in the Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in downtown Chicago.

• Gal Finer, MD, PhD
  • Pediatric Nephrology, Developmental Biology 

• Vidhi Dalal, MD 
  • Pediatric Nephrology, Kidney Disease

• Susan Quaggin, MD, FASN
  • Nephrology, Regenerative Medicine, Targeted Nanotherapeutics

• Pinelopi Kapitsinou, MD
  • Nephrology, Angiogenesis, Gene Regulation, Metabolism, Vascular Biology 

• Guillermo Oliver, PhD
  • Lymphatics

• Benjamin Thompson, PhD
  • Bioinformatics, Ophthalmology, Renal Disease, Vascular and Developmental Biology

• Matthew Feinstein, MD
  • Cardiology, Pathology, Epidemiology 

• Shayna Bradford, PhD
  • Nephrology and Hypertension, Pharmacology

• Jing Jin, MD, PhD
  • Nephrology and Hypertension

• Joo-Seop Park, PhD
  • Nephrology and Hypertension

• Beatriz Sosa-Pineda
  • Nephrology and Hypertension

Mentors are updated on a rolling basis. 

To participate in the NU GoKidney SciHigh Summer Program, applicants should meet the following conditions:

1. Grade Level: Rising high school senior with a strong interest in STEM fields, particularly research.

2. Academic Prerequisite: Interns should have completed beginner and intermediate levels of science during their high school career. This includes, but is not limited to:
   • Biology (AP/IB preferred, if available)
   • Chemistry (AP/IB preferred, if available)

3. Full-Time Commitment: Interns are expected to dedicate 40 hours per week, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, demonstrating enthusiasm and professionalism towards their projects, faculty mentors, administrators, and fellow interns.

4. The 2026 program dates are TBD. 

5. Cost: There is no program participation fee. However, interns are responsible for arranging their housing and transportation to/from Northwestern's downtown Chicago campus. 

6. Applicants must reside in Chicago or neighboring suburbs in Illinois. Out of state residents are not eligible.

Please note that specific eligibility criteria and requirements may vary each year, so it is advisable to refer to the program's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The application process for the NU GoKidney SciHigh Summer Program typically includes the following components:

1. Application: Applicants are required to complete an application form provided by the program. This form collects personal information, academic background, and contact details.

2. Personal Statement/Essay: Applicants are asked to write a personal statement or essay at the end of their application, expressing their interest in science, research, and specifically kidney research.

3. Academic Transcript: Applicants need to submit a current unofficial academic transcript that provides a record of their grades and academic performance.

4. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or professionals who can attest to their academic abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in a research-focused program.

   1. Please have the school or referee email these to nephrohub@northwestern.edu.

5. Resume: Applicant must submit a resume that highlights the applicant's educational background, research experience (if any), extracurricular activities, and relevant skills.

6. Interviews: After reviewing applications, applicants will be invited to participate in interviews, either in person or through video conferencing. 

It's important to note that the specific requirements and processes may vary each year. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the program's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the application process.

Applications for 2025 are now closed.