The Summer Program for Research Interns is designed to motivate bright, academically talented rising high school seniors in public and private schools in South Carolina to pursue careers in science, mathematics, or technology.  To do this, students are paired with researchers at various state universities and given an average of six weeks to conduct an original research project in a wide variety of subjects in both a field and laboratory setting.  At the end of the six week period, the students present their findings in a poster session.  In addition, the students will submit a formal abstract and present their work again at the annual South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Research Colloquium the following February.  Several students have also chosen to submit their projects to the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science for competition.    

The award from HHMI allows SC LIFE to sponsor up to twenty students and provide supplies for the faculty mentors each summer.  In summer 2008, we sponsored 32 students and 25 Clemson University affiliated faculty members.  Click here to view a selection of projects and their corresponding posters from 2003 and 2004. 

See a listing of some of the awards/publications/presentations our former SPRI students have acquired as a result of their research at Clemson University.

HELP WANTED - 4 SPRI Resident Dorm Counselors Needed for Summer 2009!

We need Mentors!

APPLICATIONS DUE December 19, 2008 

Call for Mentors -  CAFLS faculty

Call for Mentors -  CoES faculty

The 2009 Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) needs CAFLS faculty members to mentor exceptional rising high school seniors for six weeks of directed research during the summer of  2009.  The statewide SPRI program is coordinated by the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM).  The program includes all GSSM rising seniors and students from other high schools in South Carolina .

An award from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) supports SPRI students in CAFLS each year for 4 years (2006-2010).  The HHMI award funds:

*housing and stipends for the student interns

*supplies money for the student projects

We need mentors!  We never have enough mentors.  Please volunteer if you are at all interested in hosting a bright, energetic and competent research intern in your laboratory.

What are the advantages to you for participation in this program?

-Assistance in advancing a component of your research

-Potential for a research publication with the student

-The opportunity to work with some of the best students in South Carolina

-All interns will enroll in AFLS 191 with you

-The chance that these very bright students will enroll as Clemson undergraduate or graduate students

-$660 in supply money for your intern’s research (CAFLS mentors receive $360 from GSSM plus $300 from HHMI)

You will not receive salary for mentoring SPRI students.

Housing is available for boarding students for six weeks only (tentative schedule is June 7th through July 18th).  Commuters may have a more flexible schedule.

What if you cannot be available for the entire six weeks period?

You may appoint a responsible graduate student, technician or other ‘alternate mentor’ to substitute for you during short absences.  Some very successful project relationships have involved SPRI students working closely with advanced graduate students and technicians.

To volunteer as a mentor, please complete a project description form (CAFLS form, CoES form) and send it to Cora Allard before December 19, 2008, 132 Long Hall, callara@clemson.edu  .   If you already applied through the Governor’s School, please notify Cora Allard (callara@clemson.edu ) immediately.

 If you need additional information about the SPRI program or would like to discuss the program with some previous mentors, please contact Dr. Barbara Speziale (656-1550, bjspz@clemson.edu).  

For additional information, see MENTOR FAQs.