Summer Research Experience

Every student at GSSM participates in a summer research experience mentored by academics and professionals across South Carolina, the country, and the world. During this past summer, the Class of 2017 participated in research at 30 different institutions in 7 states and 3 countries.

"During SPRI, I found out that I love this. Doing research for these short weeks has made me realize how much researching in college is important to me. Without this opportunity my passion for research would have been struck later in life." - GSSM Student

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 from the Class of 2016 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  • Analysis of Historical Documents Through the Use of Optical Character Recognition - Eleanor Burch (German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence)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)