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    Biology Research Institute
    In-person Program

    Biology Research Institute

    by Wake Forest University

    A hands-on residential biology research experience combining laboratory experiments, ecological fieldwork, microscopy and scientific presentations.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Biology Research Institute at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; good standing

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

    Cost

    $3,500

    Duration

    Sunday-Friday, overnight

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Save program
    BiologyEnvironmental ScienceScience
    Accommodation: Required campus residence hall
    Meals: All meals provided
    Certificate / Outcome: Wake Forest completion certificate
    Campus experience: Classes, fieldwork and evening activities
    Tutors / faculty: Faculty and PhD researchers

    Biology Research Institute summary

    A residential introduction to biological research that combines laboratory experiments, ecological fieldwork and microscopy.

    Students investigate topics including plant development, disease biochemistry, floral ecology, sustainability and global-change biology.

    The experience suits students who want to test their interest in research through data collection and a peer presentation.

    What is Biology Research Institute?

    The Biology Research Institute is a Wake Forest University summer experience focused on practical biological research. Students explore how biological processes connect from organisms and cells to ecosystems and global environmental change.

    The residential format combines campus-based laboratory work, ecological fieldwork, microscopy and interaction with faculty and PhD-level researchers. Participants formulate questions, collect data and communicate their findings to peers.

    Why Succeed highlights Biology Research Institute

    • Students experience both laboratory and ecological field research rather than classroom instruction alone.

    • The subject coverage connects molecular biology, disease, plant development, sustainability and ecosystem change.

    • Participants use microscopy equipment and collect their own research data.

    • Faculty and PhD-level researchers bring active scientific expertise into the program.

    • The final peer presentation adds a concrete communication outcome.

    Who is Biology Research Institute for?

    Best for

    High school students who want an intensive, practical introduction to laboratory and field biology in a residential university setting.

    Not ideal if

    You need academic credit, prefer a non-residential option or want a narrowly focused course without broader ecology and sustainability content.

    Is Biology Research Institute worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test whether biological research feels engaging before choosing further study. The mix of experiments, field sampling, microscopy and scientific presentation offers more practical exposure than a conventional short course.

    The main limitation is value for money: it is a one-week, non-credit program with additional application and travel costs. Families should judge the fee against less expensive research, volunteering or local laboratory opportunities.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,500; includes All meals during the campus stay, Transportation to and from off-site field trips, Faculty and researcher-led academic programming, Supervised evening activities, Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

    Accommodation

    Required campus residence hall

    Meals

    All meals provided

    Provider details

    Review the Wake Forest University provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    Sunday-Friday, overnight; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Biology Research Institute need?

    Effort level

    High-intensity residential week.

    Best started

    Begin four to six weeks before applying so essays and a recommendation are ready for rolling review.

    Main challenge

    Adapting quickly to varied research techniques and a full campus schedule.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the application essay prompts and identify specific biological questions that interest you.

    • Ask a teacher, counselor or administrator for a recommendation well before submitting.

    • Refresh basic laboratory safety, data interpretation and presentation skills.

    • Plan residential travel, required forms and suitable clothing for laboratory and field activities.

    Useful if

    You have a genuine interest in biology and scientific investigation.

    What do students do on Biology Research Institute?

    Students move through question development, laboratory and field investigations, data collection and scientific communication while exploring biological research at different scales.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Formulate biological questions connected to current research themes.

    2. 2

      Learn benchtop, field-sampling and experimental-design techniques.

    3. 3

      Conduct laboratory experiments involving plant growth and disease biochemistry.

    4. 4

      Complete ecological fieldwork and analyze grassland biodiversity.

    5. 5

      Use microscopy equipment to examine biological samples.

    6. 6

      Work with researchers on studies related to global change.

    7. 7

      Present collected data and findings to peers.

    Biology Research Institute dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    No fixed deadline; applications are reviewed until programs fill.

    Reference date

    Biology Research Institute — 5-10 July 2026

    5-10 July 2026

    Reference date

    Biology Research Institute — 19-24 July 2026

    19-24 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    1 November 2026

    Opening date announced for summer 2027 applications.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Current students in US grades 9-12

    • Good academic standing required

    • No school suspensions or disciplinary record

    • Fluent English required

    • Home-schooled students may apply

    • International students may apply

    • International students cannot receive provider need-based aid

    How much does Biology Research Institute cost?

    Program tuition

    $3,500 — Tuition may change between annual cycles.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $60 — Nonrefundable and due with the application.
    • Enrollment deposit: $550 — Nonrefundable payment used to secure a seat after acceptance.
    • Need-based scholarships: Limited funding — Requested through the general application; international students are ineligible.

    What's included

    All meals during the campus stay, Transportation to and from off-site field trips, Faculty and researcher-led academic programming, Supervised evening activities, Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion

    How to apply to Biology Research Institute

    1. 1

      Create an account in the Wake Forest Pre-College application portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the online application and answer both essay prompts.

    3. 3

      Report your GPA; a transcript and test scores are not required.

    4. 4

      Provide a teacher, counselor or administrator as your recommender.

    5. 5

      Complete the scholarship section and upload financial documentation if seeking aid.

    6. 6

      Pay the $60 nonrefundable application fee and submit the application.

    7. 7

      After acceptance, select an institute week and pay the enrollment deposit.

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    What does Biology Research Institute cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Plant development

    Investigate molecular plant growth and how hormones influence development.

    Disease biochemistry

    Explore malaria and interactions between disease-causing parasites and their hosts.

    Ecology and biodiversity

    Use field sampling to examine grassland biodiversity and community assembly.

    Global-change biology

    Connect biological processes across organisms, ecosystems and environmental change.

    Research design and microscopy

    Develop questions, design experiments and practice laboratory microscopy techniques.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Biology Research Institute?

    A typical day during the program.

    Breakfast and introduction

    Breakfast is followed by the program introduction and the day's research topic.

    Field and laboratory work

    Students sample mosquitoes, examine red-blood-cell morphology and begin practical investigations.

    Microscopy and research

    Field-site travel, microscopy, a guest speaker and a team research presentation follow lunch.

    Campus activities

    Dinner is followed by supervised activities, free time and residence-hall routines.

    Who teaches on Biology Research Institute?

    The institute is led by Dr. Anna Parker, an Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology whose work examines global change and plant-insect interactions. Graduate instructors include Wake Forest PhD researchers working on malaria parasites and plant heat stress.

    Students also interact with experts and leaders from different areas of biological research.

    Where do students stay on Biology Research Institute?

    Residential plan

    • Residence-hall stay: Every participant must live in an assigned campus residence hall throughout the program.
    • Campus meals: All meals are provided, with dietary restrictions collected through the medical form.
    • Overnight supervision: Professional staff and student-support staff live in the residence hall and provide supervision.
    • Evening activities: Staff-led options may include sports, karaoke, workshops and campus social activities.

    Roommate requests may be submitted after registration but are not guaranteed.

    What happens after Biology Research Institute?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Receive a Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

    Use research data and a peer presentation as evidence of scientific engagement.

    Build familiarity with laboratory, microscopy and ecological field techniques.

    Clarify interest in biology, environmental science or scientific research.

    Develop questions for deeper independent or school-based study.

    The program does not award secondary-school or college credit.

    Where does Biology Research Institute take place?

    The program takes place at Wake Forest University's Reynolda Campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Students live in campus residence halls, use university learning facilities and travel to fieldwork sites when required.

    Optional airport shuttles require separate reservations and fees.

    Biology Research Institute FAQs

    Topics include plant development, disease biochemistry, floral ecology, global-change biology, sustainability, community assembly and biological experimental design.

    Students complete laboratory experiments, ecological fieldwork, microscopy, data collection and a team research presentation.

    All participants stay in an assigned residence hall on the Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus for the full residential week.

    All meals are provided during the campus stay. Families report dietary restrictions through the required medical authorization process.

    The institute is led by Wake Forest biology faculty and supported by graduate instructors conducting PhD-level biological research.

    No. It is a non-credit enrichment program, but students who complete it receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

    Applicants provide two essays, a recommendation, a self-reported GPA and the application fee. Transcripts and test scores are not required.

    Yes, international students may apply and a TOEFL score is not required. They must participate fluently in English and are not eligible for provider need-based scholarships.

    Alternatives to Biology Research Institute

    Compare these related biology, environmental science and medical research programs if you want a different location, length or academic emphasis.

    Alternatives to Biology Research Institute

    Canford Future Scientists (STEM)
    Upcoming

    Residential introduction to modern scientific methods

    Biology
    29 Jun 2026
    From £4795
    12-16
    Oxford
    In-person

    Best for

    Younger students wanting breadth across scientific subjects.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Wake Forest Pre-College Programs Applications
    • Wake Forest Pre-College Campus
    • Summer Immersion Program Dates | Wake Forest Pre-College
    • FAQ | Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
    • Apply - Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
    • Biology Research Institute | High School Summer Program

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Official institute page checked

    • Application process reviewed

    • Eligibility requirements verified

    • Costs and funding reviewed

    • Residential arrangements checked

    • Latest cycle dates reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.