Popular Science Honors Program Now Open to Children of St. John’s Employees

December 03, 2012

St. John's University employees with science-minded children can provide them with outstanding preparation for college work in the sciences. Enroll your child now in the St. John’s University Science Honors Program for High School Students.

The program, which begins its second year in January 2013, is offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and consists of four monthly lectures by leading St. John’s research faculty. High school students enrolled in the program also have the opportunity to tour the University's laboratories and speak directly with professors.

“After the program ended in the Spring of 2012, I received so many positive emails and phone calls from students and parents,” said Ivana Vancurova, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Sciences and the program’s creator. “Since we got such positive feedback about the first year, it only made sense to open it up to high school-aged children of St. John’s employees, too.”

The program was designed so highly motivated high school students could complement their science studies with insights and information from St. John’s professors. More than 200 students applied to the program in its inaugural year and, based on academic achievement, 150 were selected.

The program is offered at no cost, and this year’s lecturers include Ales Vancura, Ph.D., Chair and Professor of Biological Sciences; Simon Moller, Ph.D, Professor of Biological Sciences; Yong Yu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neuroscience; and Dr. Vancurova.

“So many high school students are interested in sciences, and they seek any opportunity to learn more about recent advances in biomedical research,” said Dr. Vancurova. “Many of them will want to major in the sciences in college, and go on to medical schools or other health-related fields, so we feel that this program is a very meaningful service to the community.”

The deadline to apply is December 15.