AstroScholarSTL

 

AstroScholarSTL is a new astrophysics research mentorship program I have developed to serve as a bridge-to-PhD for high school and undergraduate students in the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area, helping them be better positioned to pursue a PhD in physics and astronomy and to enter academia, research, and other astronomy-adjacent industrial positions that require a PhD. The program aims to advance students' social mobility and professional development in research in astrophysics and other astronomy-related STEM fields by lowering barriers caused by a lack of mentorship. The primary goal of the program is to boost the students' interest and ability to pursue a PhD in physics and astronomy.

 

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The annual program includes seminars, hands-on tutorials, research shadowing, opportunities to do research, collaborative work with peers in the program, and faculty guidance. As of Spring 2026, five high school students have been enrolled in a pilot program that aims to collect data and feedback before the formal announcement and initiation of the program in Fall 2026.