Discover the exciting field of nanoscience through hands-on experiments
Explore cutting-edge research in nanoscience and nanotechnology
The Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute is an exclusive summer workshop for high school students with a background in chemistry who are interested in advanced science and technology.
During this five-day program, students have the unique opportunity to explore technologies similar to those currently investigated by the scientific community through hands-on experiments that give students a survey of diverse topics, including bio-toxicity, supercapacitors, and photolithography. These experiments, designed by UCLA researchers, teach students the key concepts of nanoscale phenomena that make nanoscience and nanotechnology one of the most exciting fields of research today.
Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute Program
At the Nanoscience Lab, students will learn some of the key concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology through seminars, hands-on experiments, analyzing collected data, and seeing the instruments that enable this science.
Students will be introduced to both pervading approaches in nanofabrication: Bottom-up and Top-Down, and will fabricate nanostructures and devices using these approaches. The properties of materials and devices will be evaluated with nanoscale components by performing hands-on experiments. Students will learn to analyze their experimental results with scientific vigor. They will learn how research from nanoscience is already being used and what other applications are possible in the near future. They will also practice presenting what they have learned to others, including non-experts.
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.
Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process.
Short essay responses to the following prompts:
- In no more than 250 words: What interests you in science or technology and how will participation 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 these topics?
Applications will be reviewed in two rounds.
Round 1
Students who apply before March 9 will receive their admission decision notification via email by March 16. The registration fee will be required to reserve your space in this program. Full payment will be due by May 1.
Round 2
Students who apply before April 6 will receive their admission decision notification via email by April 13. The registration fee will be required to reserve your space in this program. Full payment will be due by May 1.
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 Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute – Session A 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
As a commuter program, housing is not available for Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute – Session B.
Participants of the Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute – Session B must commute to the UCLA campus each day of the program. Specific location information (e.g. classroom) will be provided to enrolled students closer to the start of the program.
Parking:
Summer Sessions parking permits will be available beginning May 30 on a first-come, first-served basis. Students have the option to purchase a summer term permit or a daily permit.
Please review the Transportation and Parking Services web page and read the “Summer Quarter Parking (All Students)” section for more information on all permit types, including cost.
Session A:
July 23 – July 29, 2023
Admission based / In-person
Session B:
July 31 – August 4, 2023
Admission based / In-person
Program Eligibility: 10th-12th grade in Spring 2023 & Ages 15-17 & strong science background
UCLA Coursework: CHEM 7; 2 units
Program 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.
Commuter Program Fees:
In addition to the program fee, students are assessed other campus and administrative fees during the summer.
High School Student: $1280
Incoming UCLA Student: $1118
Incoming UC Student: $1118
| Program Fee | $1,908 |
| Registration Fee | $350 |
| IEI Fee | $61 |
| Document Fee (for first-time Summer Sessions students) | $50 |
Meet your instructors
Sarah Tolbert
ProfessorSarah Tolbert is a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA. Research in her group focuses on self-organized nanoscale materials and includes both organic templated inorganic phases and colloidal materials. Current work in her group is aimed at understanding and controlling structure and periodicity in complex nanostructured composite materials, and in exploiting that periodicity for a range of structural, optical, and electronic materials applications.
Projects in Prof. Tolbert’s group range from examination of nanoscale phase transitions in surfactant templated inorganic solids to the designed assembly of electro-active composite materials.
Professor Tolbert’s honors include a National Science Foundation Early CAREER Development Award, the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award, a Beckman Young Investigator Award, and an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship.
Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute FAQ
This is a one-week program in which students participate in labs every day. Each day involves a different experiment while other nanoscience programs may include labs that are spaced out.
We expect students to have a strong background in chemistry and biology (honors/AP chemistry experience preferred).
Incoming high school freshmen may apply, but should have a strong background in science to be considered.
Yes, students should bring laptops.
Still have questions? Check out the general Summer Institutes FAQ.