The Summer Research Participation Program is currently in its thirty- fifth year of operation at Roswell Park Memorial Institute (SUNY- Buffalo). The institute is the oldest and one of the largest comprehensive cancer centers in the world. It is designed for high ability high school seniors. The objectives of the programs are: 1) to teach each student functional scientific facts, principles and techniques employed in research; 2) to expose students to an active research environment; 3) to allow the students to witness scientific creativity; 4) to develop in each student the skills, habits and attitudes required by scientific investigators; 5) to further develop the students interest in science; and 6) to help the trainee in planning his/her academic career in science. The trainees fulfill these objectives by implementing a research project in a research laboratory under direct supervision of a senior investigator. The remaining time is spent attending formal lectures and seminars in specific areas of biology, chemistry and biophysics conducted at the Institute. Projects are assigned to students by their senior investigator who serves as their summer mentor. The Education Department assists senior investigators in the selection of students to insure that the students' interests and the objectives of the program are fulfilled. A one-to- one relationship between senior investigator and student is sought to facilitate the learning process.
