Schiff Family Science Research Institute

 Our Science Research Institute (SRI) is unique to Cincinnati. Biochemist Jessica Sakash Replogle, Ph.D., leads the program through three sequentially tiered classes and work in research labs. She builds on the foundation of Middle and Upper School science courses to give students a head start when it comes to scientific literacy and laboratory experience.  College professors have remarked at how well prepared these institute students are in operating in a higher education laboratory setting. 

 We accept up to 14 juniors in this highly competitive program. We evaluate applications based on good character, motivation, scientific pursuits outside the classroom, academic performance, work ethic and emotional intelligence. We do not necessarily admit applicants with the longest resume or highest test scores. We take a holistic approach. 

Upper School students in the program spend eight weeks in the summer working with a professional researcher. Then they write up their research in scientific journal style, develop their scientific poster and perfect their oral presentation of their work. Some of their posters and presentations have gone on to win prestigious awards.   

 At The Summit, this is part of how we are turning out scientists. Your teen could be the next to have the chance to author or co-author a scientific, peer-reviewed journal article. Some students have earned full U.S. Patents on their research projects.   

To be successful in impacting students and their future careers, SRI relies on mentors in our community who are passionate about providing unique and educational experiences for student researchers. Mentors can expect to: 

• Directly or indirectly supervise a student and project; 

• Facilitate connections and resources for student success; 

• Train the student on tools and techniques specific to the project; 

• Include the student in meetings when appropriate and allow the student to present if possible; 

• Serve as a resource when the student is preparing his or her final presentation; 

• Attend the Schiff Family Science Research Institute Colloquium in January to support students as they present their research findings. 

To learn more, contact Dr. Replogle.

What our mentors say:
“It is a gift to support young ambitious students to reach their full potential. The experience is very rewarding and makes mentors proud and hopeful about the future.” - SRI Mentor, 2022-23 

“This program is really a great tool in our efforts to ensure that students are given an opportunity to understand what STEM research looks like—and what a STEM professional looks like in academia—and to hopefully encourage more talented students to enter into STEM fields of study. Mentors can expect quality output from these students.” - SRI Mentor, 2022-23 

The program concludes at the annual Schiff Family Science Research Institute Colloquium where seniors display their projects and present orally to an audience of peers and adults.

See photos here.