In 2018, the Northwestern University George M. O'Brien Kidney Research Core Center (NU GoKidney) initiated the SciHigh Summer Program, under the visionary leadership of the late William "Bill" Schnaper, MD. This 7-week paid internship was initially designed for rising juniors and seniors from Chicago high schools, aiming to unlock the untapped potential of students from underrepresented backgrounds. Dr. Schnaper, a brilliant mind in the field of kidney research, recognized the importance of fostering the confidence, skills, and success of these talented students in STEM fields.

Under the coordination of Ashley Sipocz, MPH, the previous Program Coordinator, SciHigh provided an immersive learning experience, mentorship, and a sense of wonder across various scientific and medical domains. Led by experienced researchers, physician-scientists, post-docs, and medical students, the program aimed to ignite a passion for science and inspire the next generation of scientific innovators.

Together, Dr. Schnaper's vision and Sipocz's dedication to empowering students laid the foundation for the success of the SciHigh Summer Program. Their commitment to education and equity continues to shape the lives of countless students, providing them with opportunities to excel and make significant contributions to the field of STEM.

Louis Simpson and Kimberly Querrey further fortified the program's impact by endowing SciHigh in 2019, resulting in a nearly threefold expansion. Their support recognizes the significance of nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.

Each scholar participating in the program is carefully paired with a distinguished faculty member from Northwestern University based on their specific interests and goals. Collaboratively, they devote time to formulating a research project within the mentor's specialized area of expertise. This project becomes the focus of the scholar's work throughout the program, culminating in a presentation of their findings at the end of the summer.

In addition to gaining invaluable professional skills and immersing themselves in research conducted at a prominent university, scholars engage in weekly workshops. These activities serve as opportunities for scholars to reflect upon their mentored research experience and acquire knowledge on various aspects of research development, evaluation, and communication. They are invited to participate in both hands-on and virtual interactive sessions led by experts in a wide range of STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) fields.

The NUGoKidney program is housed within the Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center, situated at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in the vibrant downtown area of 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

• Michael Donnan, MD, FASN
  • Nephrology, Angiogenesis, Vascular Biology, Molecular Biology

• Isha Sharma, PhD
  • Renal Disease, Molecular Biology, Diabetes 

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

• Sharon Ann George 
  • Cardiology

• Amishi Desai, DO
  • Clinical, Nephrology

• Guillermo Oliver, PhD
  • Lymphatics

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

• Matthew Feinstein, MD
  • Cardiology, Pathology, Epidemiology 

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 junior or senior (and sometimes exceptional sophomore) with a strong interest in STEM fields, particularly kidney research.

2. 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.

3. Stipend: Selected interns will receive a competitive stipend upon successfully completing the program.

4. Cost: There is no program participation fee. However, interns are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation to/from Northwestern's downtown Chicago campus. Assistance with transportation can be provided upon request.

5. COVID-19 Vaccination: All interns must comply with Northwestern University's requirement of being fully vaccinated and receiving booster shots against COVID-19.

Please note that specific eligibility criteria and requirements may vary each year, so it is advisable to refer to the program's official website or contact the program administrators 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. Cover Letter: Applicants must submit a cover letter to express their interest in the program, highlight relevant experiences and qualifications, and explain why they are a strong fit for the program.

7. 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.

The application submission deadline for 2023 has now passed. The applications for 2024 will open in early January 2024.