Stem Cell Scientist Takes Questions

I will give you some unexpected advice. Having a talent for research is something that can't be predicted before the person tries to engage in research with good mentors. After they have tried, they can know if it is their talent. This talent is not the same as getting great grades or testing well. While your daughter should try as hard as she can to prepare herself with courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, she should not neglect other pursuits; something else might be her talent.

But the strongest advice I can give is to find out and make known to her the possible summer programs where high school students can help researchers. But do not do anything but let her know. Her own curiosity and drive are essential qualities for research, and imposing them on her will not let her find them for herself. There are many high-class stem cell researchers in Austin and elsewhere in Texas. Classically the Jackson Labs in Maine and Cold Spring Harbor labs in Long Island also have programs, as does Stanford.

I got my start many, many years ago as a high school student, though not a great one, in Great Falls, Montana. Currently, the McLaughlin Institute in Great Falls still runs such a program for Montana students. It made all the difference to me. By the way I graduated from Montana State University and Stanford Medical School, both of which were exceptional at providing research opportunities to students.