The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

This month ends an intense research internship for nearly 70 GSSM students. Exploring topics such as advancing colon cancer treatment, converting algae into methane gas, and analyzing South Carolina's failing industries, students spent the summer conducting college-level research alongside professional scientists and business leaders in labs and businesses across the Palmetto State.

Known as The Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI), this experience is a graduation requirement for GSSM rising seniors. Students spend six weeks in corporate research and development labs, research universities, hospital cancer centers and start-up technology companies across the state under the direct supervision of established scientists and mentors.

SPRI research partnerships include Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), the University of South Carolina (USC), Furman University, the Greenville Hospital System, Engenuity, EnduringFX, Winthrop University and Savannah River National Lab, among others. SPRI also boasts a SmartState partnership, through which a number of students are placed with Endowed Chairs at MUSC and USC.

SPRI includes an international component, the Research Exchange Scholars Program (RESP), which sends a handful of rising seniors abroad each summer to conduct college-level research in international labs. In exchange, students come to GSSM from overseas to complete research projects in South Carolina facilities.