ASPIRATION Program - Student Page
AI-Guided Scientist-Mentored Primary Literature Adaptation for STEMM Education (ASPIRATION)

ASPIRATION Program for High School Students 

Application Closed - please contact info@biomededu.org for questions or further information. 

Program Description

The AI-Guided Scientist-Mentored Primary Literature Adaptation for STEMM Education (ASPIRATION) Program is an 8-week virtual summer research and science communication program designed for high school students interested in science, medicine, and research.

The program combines AI-guided tools with scientist mentorship in small groups to help students learn how to read, interpret, and translate primary scientific literature into clear, accessible multimedia science communication products.

Through structured training and mentorship, students gain experience in:

• Scientific literature comprehension

• Using AI-guided tools for simplification and adaptation

• Multimedia science communication

• Collaboration and coordination within a team

This is a guided but student-driven program that requires proactive engagement, self-directed learning, and strong motivation from participants.

Outcome & Deliverables (more details):

Over the 8-week program, students will develop scientific communication skills, learn how to read and interpret scientific papers, and translate complex research into accessible materials for the public.

As part of a mentored group project, students will collaboratively:

• Create a one-page public summary of a scientific paper.
• Create a simplified infographic adaptation of primary literature (up to four pages; up to six pages permitted for longer or more complex papers).
• Develop poster design and oral presentation skills for scientific communication.
• Opportunity to present at the High School Student Symposium on August 8, 2026 (Symposium registration required).

This program has evolved from previous years’ ASPIRATION programs, incorporating additional improvements in mentoring, AI-guided learning, scientific communication training, and student project development. Please see our publication describing the development of the program. 

Key dates and information

Application deadline:                                 April 10, 2026
Selected students will be notified by:       April 21, 2026
Registration Deadline if selected:             May 5, 2026
Program Dates:                                           June 6 - July 31, 2026
Orientation & 1st Training:   June 6, Saturday, 10 - 12 PM
Location:         Virtual
Estimate time per week:                            10-20 hours, zoom meetings with mentors once or twice a week plus self-study remotely.
Estimate meeting schedule: Scheduled after 5 PM on weekdays or on Saturdays. 

Symposium Participation

All students complete the program with a polished final product will have the opportunity (if elect to do so) to present their work at the end-of-summer High School Student Symposium.

Symposium day:  August 8, Saturday, University of Houston 

Application Process and Program Expectations

Students apply to the ASPIRATION Program through an application process. Selected students participate in structured small group virtual training and mentorship. 

Program Expectations:

Time Commitment: ~10–20 hours per week, require full commitment

Weekly 1–2 Zoom meetings with mentors

Independent study and project development (remote)

Students are expected to participate fully throughout the program. Repeated absences or lack of communication with mentors may result in not being listed as a co-author on the final simplified paper and/or not participating in the final presentation. 

Additional Details: 

Mentoring & Literature Adaptation

Each selected student is paired with a group of students and a scientist mentor and will:

• Learn how to read and interpret a selected primary research article. 

• Use AI-supported tools to clarify complex scientific concepts

• Adapt scientific publications into simplified, student-friendly content

• Create a science communication product with simplified figures.

• Tailor content for audiences with varying literacy levels

This collaboration models how AI and human expertise work together to improve science communication for education and public outreach.

Mentor Recruitment: Complete the Form Here

We are seeking scientists, graduate students, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other professionals interested in mentoring high school students in reading and translating scientific literature into accessible language. Mentor role: 1) Guide 3–4 students through a scientific paper;  2) Meet with the group weekly and support their final product - an infographics and symposium presentation;  3) Program guidance and resources provided.

AI Ethics and Responsible Use Policy: 

The Program incorporates AI-supported tools to assist students in understanding, interpreting, and communicating scientific research. Students are expected to use AI responsibly, ethically, and transparently throughout the program.

Students should use AI as a learning and support tool rather than as a replacement for independent thinking, scientific interpretation, creativity, or active participation. All final products should reflect the student’s own understanding, discussion with mentors, and collaborative group effort.

Students participating in the program are expected to:

• Use AI tools to support learning, brainstorming, clarification, editing, and communication of scientific concepts.
• Verify scientific accuracy and interpret AI-generated content critically with mentor guidance.
• Use AI responsibly and avoid plagiarism, fabrication of scientific information, or misrepresentation of AI-assisted work.
• Properly acknowledge the use of AI-assisted tools when appropriate.
• Respect copyright, scientific integrity, and ethical communication standards.
• Protect personal privacy and avoid uploading confidential, unpublished, or sensitive research information into public AI platforms without permission.

The ASPIRATION Program emphasizes the collaborative relationship between human expertise and AI-assisted learning to promote responsible science communication, education, and public outreach.