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Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS)

Feb 10, 2025

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The Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS) program, hosted annually by the chemistry department at Stanford University, offers rising high school juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in cutting-edge chemical research. Unlike programs emphasizing individual research projects, IFSS stands out by allowing participants to shadow multiple graduate students, providing a broader understanding of the field and fostering a well-rounded scientific perspective. The main objective of IFSS is to expose students to a wide array of scientific topics and techniques through shadowing different researchers. This unique approach not only provides hands-on scientific research experience but also encourages a comprehensive understanding of the field. The program is especially beneficial for students of all backgrounds who otherwise may not have access to such opportunities, with a particular emphasis on encouraging applications from prospective first-generation to college/low-income (FLI) students and/or students who are members of groups historically underrepresented in the sciences. IFSS is a two-week program hosted each summer on the Stanford University campus. During this period, participants converse with and observe different graduate student mentors as they conduct their research in the laboratory. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program. It is important to note that the program does not provide housing or transportation for participants, and there is no cost or tuition to participate. The program leaders include Jennifer Schwartz-Poehlmann, Michael Fayer, and Christopher Chidsey, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from various areas of chemistry. Applications for IFSS typically open in early May and students are notified of their status by mid-May. Upon completion of the IFSS program, participants will have gained a broad understanding of the field of chemistry, hands-on experience in scientific research, and the chance to interact directly with experienced researchers.

written by

Rishab Jain

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