Research

Research at leading labs across the state and around the world is an integral part of every Govie's GSSM experience.

Summer Research

GSSM Research is unique among the nation's top specialized STEM schools. 

Every student at GSSM participates in a summer research experience mentored by academics and professionals across South Carolina, the country, and the world. In most years, Govies conduct research at more than 30 university and corporate labs in 7 states and 3 countries.

The Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) and the international Research Experience Scholars Program (RESP) are exciting programs unique to GSSM. For six weeks during the summer between junior and senior years, GSSM students join research groups at university and corporate R&D labs in South Carolina, the United States, Europe or Asia. Students work with their research mentors and Governor's School faculty during their senior year to compile and analyze their research findings, prepare formal research papers, and present their work at the GSSM Annual Research Colloquium and at the SC Junior Academy of Science annual meeting.

GSSM students gain a unique and direct experience with the scientific process, which develops their understanding of the scientific method, the methods of discovery, subject matter expertise, critical thinking skills, data analysis and quantitative skills, creativity, and communication skills. They may have additional opportunities to present their research in academic journals or at professional conferences in conjunction with their summer research mentor.

Examples of recent summer research experiences include:

  • RMT Analysis of China's Shanghai Stock Exchange - Alex Adams & Hamza Ahmed (Korean Advanced Institute for Science & Technology)
  • Analysis of Historical Documents Through the Use of Optical Character Recognition - Eleanor Burch (German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence)
  • Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Elevated Salinity on the Larvae of Anaxyrus terrestris, Hyla squirella, and Gastrophryne carolinensis - Bailey Fallon (College of Charleston)
  • Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epoxidized Pine Oil and Acrylated Epoxidized Soybean Oil Blends - Mario Krussig (Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research)
  • In Vitro Efficacy of Doxorubicin Encapsulated in Thermosensitive Liposomes - Emily Milz (Medical University of South Carolina)
  • Glycoprotein (GP130) Expression During Mouse Skeletal Muscle Disuse Atrophy - Hemani Patel (University of South Carolina)
  • Connections Between Inhibition of ATP Production and Fatty Acid Uptake in Procyclic Trypanosoma brucei brucei - Agata Walkowiak (Clemson University)
  • Planar Hall Effect in Thin Ferromagnetic Film's Dependence Upon External Magnetic Field Angles - Wesley Williams V (University of South Carolina)
  • Estrogenicity of Personal Care Products as Measured in a Yeast Estrogen Screen - Lauren Yam (Furman University)

Learn More About the Colloquium

GSSM Annual Research Colloquium

Since 1990, GSSM’s Annual Research Colloquium has been an opportunity for GSSM students to share their research accomplishments and experiences.

The GSSM research & inquiry experience provides our students with the opportunity for exploration, discovery, and individual growth. Colloquium also reflects the duty of scientists, explorers, and innovators to not only discover, but to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. In this time-honored tradition of science, Colloquium is our opportunity to share, celebrate, and learn as a community.

GSSM's Annual Research Colloquium features student presentations of their research & inquiry projects and the presentation of the Distinguished Research Leadership Award.

Learn More about Colloquium

On-Campus Research

On-campus research courses are electives in which GSSM students to develop and execute original, scientific research on the GSSM campus during the school year.

 

Have a question?

Contact Dr. Josh Witten, Director of Research & Inquiry.