Reaching for the STARS
UT Southwestern’s summer science program marks 35 years of inspiring high school students with hands-on lab work
Sophia Estrada remembers the moment when she stared through a microscope and saw genetically reproduced heart stem cells beating rhythmically. For the Plano ISD Academy High School senior, it was a highlight during her summer in UT Southwestern’s STARS program.
“It was incredibly exciting because we not only saw the work that had been put in but also that a living heart muscle cell could be created by a patient’s blood and that their heart cells could potentially live on forever,” Ms. Estrada said.
This work in the lab of Chengyi Tu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, heightened Ms. Estrada’s interest in research and surgery. She participated in STARS as a recipient of the Kathryn and Ashley H. Priddy Young Scientist Award, which annually goes to several outstanding high school students to fund the summer fellowship.
The STARS Summer Research Program, which began 35 years ago, is designed to inspire high school students such as Ms. Estrada by providing eight weeks of learning in UT Southwestern laboratories. STARS (Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern) recently completed its latest summer session with 48 high school seniors and two high school science teachers participating, said Lynn Tam, Ed.D., STARS Program Director.
“It empowers students to transform curiosity into discovery,” Dr. Tam said. “Through mentorship, research projects, and presentation of findings, students gain exposure to STEM careers and build a foundation for future academic and professional success.”
Admission to the STARS program is highly competitive, requiring submission of school transcripts, test scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. At the end of the program, students present their research at a poster session. Afterward, the work is usually continued by the mentor or research team, Dr. Tam said. Students give presentations at their home campus the following year, with many returning in subsequent summers to continue research.
The Hockaday School senior Jada Rice said STARS opened her eyes to multiple career options in medicine. She worked in the lab of Caroline de Gracia Lux, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Radiology, developing artificial models to improve noninvasive ultrasound imaging for a type of liver disease.
“While I had originally planned to pursue medical school, working alongside biomedical engineering graduate students as well as Ph.D. and M.D. trainees has shown me how much I enjoy the innovation and problem-solving behind developing new technologies,” she said. “It has inspired me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, where I can apply science and engineering to make a meaningful impact.”
Before he participated in the STARS program, Grapevine High School senior Max Poveda knew little about CT scans. But that all changed working on computed tomography research in the lab of Xinhui Duan, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Radiology. His STARS project focused on assessing the quality of scans produced by photon-counting CT, a medical technology that uses semiconductor detectors to convert X-ray photons into electrical signals.
“In the midst of my research, my mind was racing with confusion, and thoughts loomed that I would never understand it,” he said. “Yet, at the end of this experience, it was immensely rewarding to look back and realize that I actually comprehended the work.”
Likewise, North Forney High School senior Eden Duga said working in the circadian biology lab of Shin Yamazaki, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroscience, solidified her interest in research. She helped investigate whether adding auditory cues can help mice remember where to go at the correct time to receive food.
Working alongside an accomplished researcher such as Dr. Yamazaki was a highlight of the program, she said.
“I still plan on pursuing a career in medicine involved in patient care, but this experience has inspired me to continue seeking opportunities that combine clinical practice with research,” Ms. Duga said.
Oftentimes, students consider a physician-scientist or graduate school path after participating in the STARS program, Dr. Yamazaki said.
“Many of my former STARS students have been sending me their updates, and it is very rewarding to keep up those connections and be informed about their journeys,” he said.
As for the participants, the program often becomes a springboard to a satisfying career in medicine or science.
“Working in a lab at such an impressive institution as UT Southwestern has been incredibly rewarding because it has given me the confidence to see my own potential while strengthening my passion for using science to improve people’s lives,” said Ms. Rice, who is now eager to continue an educational path focused on biomedical engineering.