Propose and conduct your own experimental research project
Use scientific methodologies and techniques to explore current research topics
The Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute is designed for high school students with a background in chemistry and a desire to learn the basics of pursuing a viable, scientifically-sound technology and bringing it to market. As a model, students will explore a few important applications of nanoscience while also learning the basics of reviewing existing scientific literature, design-thinking, and entrepreneurship. They will then go through the process of proposing a product in pursuit of bringing their nanotechnology-based idea to market, and perform preliminary research to validate the science behind their idea.
During this two-week program, students have the unique opportunity to explore questions similar to those currently investigated by the scientific community. The program involves the combination of vigorous scientific methodologies and techniques with business projects that are both fun and exciting. At the end of this course, students will demonstrate their newfound knowledge by working on a team project to experience the process of team research and pitching a business and a product to technology investors.
Applications of Nanoscience Program Overview
The program has application requirements for admission. Eligible applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within 3 weeks. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Please prepare two short essays with the following prompts before starting your registration form:
- In no more than 300 words: What interests you in science, technology, and product innovation? How will participating in this program help you achieve your academic and personal goals?
- In no more than 125 words: How did you hear about nanoscience and nanotechnology, and what is your current understanding of this topic?
UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support
Qualified students attending grades 8th – 11th in Spring 2023 in the state of California may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.
Summer 2023 deadline to apply: March 15.
Students will be graded on a Pass/No Pass basis upon completion. See University Credit, Grades and Transcripts for more information about academic credit.
Due to the intense nature of the Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute and the time commitment involved, living in on-campus housing is mandatory.
For more information on UCLA housing precollege programs, please see the Housing for Minors page.
Many of our precollege programs with mandatory housing (only) also feature non-curricular evening and weekend activities, the availability of which is at the sole discretion of the academic department offering the program, and are not operated by UCLA Summer Sessions. To learn more about whether (and when) your selected program will host such activities, please consult the schedules for each program or contact the department in question directly: rita@cnsi.ucla.edu
Most of our precollege programs with mandatory housing will hold check-in on the Sunday before the start of the program between 4-6pm, and hold check-out the Saturday after the final day of class at 11am. Please contact the department in question directly to confirm check-in and check-out times: rita@cnsi.ucla.edu
Program Dates:
July 9 – July 22, 2023
Program Type:
Admission based / In-person
Program Eligibility:
10th – 12th grade in Spring 2023
UCLA Coursework: Chemistry 8; 3 units
Application deadline: June 1, 2023
Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2023
The schedule and syllabus are subject to change.
Fees and Payment Info
The program fee includes the unit fees for the UCLA coursework offered as part of the program and thus varies by UC student status. In addition to the program fee, students are assessed other campus and administrative fees during the summer. This is a summary of fees that commonly apply to the selected student type.
Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California. Visit the fees, payment, and financial aid section for important disclaimer, as well as more details on fees, payment instructions, and information on delinquency, refunds, and financial aid.
Meet your instructors
Sarah Tolbert
ProfessorSarah Tolbert received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Yale University. She then receiver her Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC-Berkeley, studying the structure, stability, and electronic properties of nanometer sized clusters with Prof. A. Paul Alivisatos. She was then a Postdoctoral Scholar at UCSB, researching the synthesis, characterization, and physical and structural properties of new inorganic/organic composite and mesoporous materials with Prof. Galen D. Stucky.
In 1997, Sarah joined the UCLA family as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and currently serves in both the Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering Departments. Her current research interests include self-organized nanoscale materials for electronic, magnetic, optical, and structural applications; nanomaterials for energy, including electrochemical charge storage and solar energy harvesting; semiconducting polymers; polymer templated nanoporous materials, including supercapacitors and strain engineering magnetic materials; new ultrahard and ultra-incompressible materials and functional materials through solution phase self-assembly.
Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute FAQ
This is a two-week program in which students learn what it means to be a working scientist in the first week, then propose and conduct their own experimental research project during the second week.
We expect students to have a strong foundation in chemistry and biology (honors/AP chemistry is highly encouraged, but not required).
There is a final research presentation.
No, teams will be assigned.
No, all topics will be given during the program.
Yes, students should bring a laptop*.
*Please reach out to the program instructor if you have an issue with technological accessibility.
Still have questions? Check out the general Summer Institutes FAQ.