Our Research Practicum
Ingenuity supports students interested in cutting-edge research and development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with two different pathways: On-Site and Off-Site Research.
All Ingenuity students are required to participate in a robust out-of-classroom STEM experience before leaving the program. The requirement may be met through an in-school research project, an off-site research mentor opportunity, or other approved out-of-classroom experiences (include link). To support students who choose the In-school or off-site mentor tracks, Ingenuity provides a specialized research course sequence.
Why Research?
Research programs connect students with faculty and researchers at prestigious universities and institutions. They foster creativity, independent thinking, and communication skills, leading to high-quality written work and better college admissions, ultimately preparing students for their future careers in STEM fields.
Research Practicum
Research Practicum is a two-year sequential in-school and off-site research curriculum for 10th and 11th-grade Ingenuity students. Students gain hands-on experience in any area of STEM that is of interest to them. The primary goal is for student investigators to plan and implement a scientific research project from start to finish, either off-site in a lab with one of our many partners or in school with the support of our research team. The program is open to any Ingenuity student in good academic standing who wishes to apply, as the curriculum is designed to meet student’s individual needs and ability levels.
These research programs allow students to engage with university faculty and researchers throughout the area’s most prestigious universities, research institutions, and businesses. They enable students to be creative, independent thinkers, refine their communication skills, produce high-quality written work, and achieve admission to top collegiate programs, preparing them for their future careers.
“Ingenuity gave me the confidence to pursue a STEM field in college that I never thought was possible.”
— Ingenuity Project High School Student
On-Site Research Path
*New in 2024-2025*
The in-school research path is ideal for students wanting to gain hands-on experience in STEM through a student-directed research project while conducting their research at Poly. This could include picking a topic/problem of interest to explore deeply or conducting experiments and independent research projects with the support of our In-school Research Team. The requirements and academic goals of off-site and on-site research are identical.
Off-Site Research Path
This off-site path is ideal for students who want to gain hands-on experience working in a wet or engineering lab. Each student’s project is supervised by one of our STEM laboratory partners, who receives in-school support from Ingenuity’s research team. Students work alongside mentors from outside agencies and universities. The requirements and academic goals of off-site and on-site research are identical.
Research Timeline
Ingenuity’s Research Practicum begins the summer after sophomore year and continues through junior year, with opportunities for a second summer of research and senior-year submissions to STEM competitions. The timeline below highlights key class assignments that support students’ independent projects and strengthen their science communication skills.
Research Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my mentor, or will one be assigned?
Once students identify a STEM field and topic of interest, Ingenuity’s Research Director helps match them with potential mentors. Students are also encouraged to take initiative and conduct their own mentor search using available resources, including Ingenuity’s historical mentor database.
What is entailed with the Junior Research Practicum class?
The practicum begins in the summer after sophomore year and continues throughout junior year. Students conduct research either on-site or off-site at external lab placements. There is an optional second summer (after junior year) for those needing additional time to complete their projects or begin applying to STEM competitions. All research must be completed before the start of senior year. Students interested in competitions and science communication can join the Senior Research Club in 12th grade.
What are the time requirements?
As rising juniors, students are expected to complete 60-80 hours (for on-site research) and 100-120 hours (for off-site research). During junior year, students must complete 6-8 hours of research each week and 4 hours of classwork.
If I don’t like the topic or placement, can I change labs?
Once a student finalizes their topic and lab placement by the end of sophomore year, changes to labs, placements, or mentors are not permitted due to the structured timeline of the practicum. However, students may refine or narrow their research questions within the approved topic.
How do I pick my topic?
Students can explore any STEM-related topic that aligns with their interests. Topic selection is part of the sophomore-year Introduction to Research class and must be approved by the Research Director. Approval considers factors such as mentor availability, on-site vs. off-site feasibility, and overall viability of the research.
If I’m doing off-site research, how do I get to my lab?
Students conducting off-site research may leave Poly at the start of periods 4A and 3B, Tuesday through Friday, to travel to their lab placements. A shuttle is available from Poly to the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus, where students can connect to additional shuttles to the School of Medicine or School of Public Health. Transportation to other university sites and return transportation home is the responsibility of the student and their family.
Can I still be a member of sports and clubs if I am in the Research Practicum?
Yes! Ingenuity students are encouraged to be well-rounded and involved in research, sports, and extracurricular clubs. However, the Research Practicum has significant time commitments, so students may need to adjust or limit some activities to ensure they can meet all practicum requirements.
If I don’t want to pursue Ingenuity’s Research Practicum, are there other ways I can fulfill the external STEM experience requirement?
Yes! There are several opportunities throughout Baltimore that satisfy the STEM experience requirement. 2025 HS Ingenuity Summer Opportunties & Research Programs For additional support, students and parents are encouraged to contact our HS Dean of Student Engagement.
Noteworthy Research Projects & Resources
Recent Mentor Partners
- Institute of Marine & Environmental Technology (IMET)
- Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
- Biotrophics (Harbor Designs & Manufacturing)
- Dipole Materials, Inc.,
- Morgan State University, Dept. of Mathematics
- Loyola University Maryland
- Goucher College
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, Department of Information Systems
- Baltimore Orioles
- The Mathematical Institute for Data Science (M.I.N.D.S),
- Johns Hopkins University
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
- University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Towson University, Dept. of Mathematics,
- Traitify, and University of MD School of Social Work
- T. Rowe Price
- James Madison University