Information about Class of 2028 Research & Innovation is coming soon!
The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) offers the Summer Research & Innovation Program (SRIP) with opportunities in a wide variety of fields that are open to rising NCSSM seniors in both the residential and online programs. These programs are offered at no cost to students and are hosted on the Durham campus each summer (with the exception of families' responsibility to pay for all meals throughout the program dates). Participation is by application and includes housing, academic instruction, student life instruction, and program administration at no cost to students and families.
NCSSM Durham-hosted Summer Research & Innovation Program (SRIP) is open to all Residential and Online juniors to apply in October-November. Students accepted to Durham-hosted SRIP will live on campus to work with NCSSM faculty or with volunteer mentors off-campus for full days over 2-5 weeks of the summer while living at NCSSM.
The objective of the program is to combine the freedom of full summer days with the resources for each student to engage as a thinker, maker, doer in an independent or ongoing project. The aim is to empower students to gain valuable experiences in research, design, and entrepreneurship. While students may be working on a vast array of different research and innovation projects across a wide range of experiences, every program within SRIP focuses on building core skills that will last the students a lifetime: independence, critical thinking and scholarly risk-taking. The program culminates with student presentations communicating not only their discoveries from their project, but also to demonstrate the development and growth that is an integral part of the experience.
Sunday, October 18, 2026 (7:00-8:00 PM)
Monday, October 26, 2026
Thursday, October 22, 2026 (End of Day)
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (11:59 PM, midnight)
Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Friday, January 4, 2026 (11:59 AM, noon)
Announcing all SRIP/Mentorship 2026 (Webinar)
Durham-hosted SRIP/Mentorship Fair (Virtual Live via Zoom links)
* SRIP/Mentorship Student Application Opens
* SRIP/Mentorship Student Application Closes
Announcement of Acceptances & Commitment Forms
Commitment Finalized and Signed Forms Due
Attend virtual drop-in interest meetings on Zoom to chat with instructors and past/currents students about their opportunities!
Zoom Links for DUR Virtual Fair
(see links to each recording below)
Monday, October 13, 2025 (4:00 - 5:00 PM)
Book an appointment
For Director Meetings: Click HERE
Oct. 17 7-8am, 12-1pm
Oct. 21 3:30-4:30pm
Oct. 24 12-1pm
Oct. 28 8:00-9:00pm
Oct. 30 3:30-5:00pm
Oct. 31 7-8am, 12-1pm
Nov. 4 7-8am, 3:30-4:30pm
Be sure to review the Frequently Asked Questions before reaching out.
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Mentorship Program
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Mentorship Program
Social Impact & Entrepreneurship
Robotics Design Exploration
As Director of Mentorship and Research in Durham, Dr. Sarah Shoemaker supports research and innovation for NC School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) high school students by working with NCSSM faculty and cultivating relationships with mentors at local universities and business/industry partners in the Triangle. She has developed the Summer Research & Innovation Program, expanded the school-year Mentorship program, and developed curriculum to accomplish the learning goals of the programs. She serves as a strong support for the faculty and for our mentors from the community that work together to engage students as thinkers/makers/doers in an experience that requires the application of knowledge and skills to address challenges in the world beyond the classroom. Dr. Shoemaker is best defined by her passion for facilitating the success of others and promoting opportunities for the growth and development of young researchers and learners. Prior to coming to NCSSM, Dr. Shoemaker earned her Masters in Zoology and her PhD in Neuroscience at Case Western Research University and continued studying axon regeneration as a postdoctorate fellow at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Her training as a scientist and teacher is ideal for implementing programs to create an environment that promotes both students’ understanding and their effective communication of research both in and outside the classroom.