Biology
From genes to ecosystems — how living systems resist, recover, and adapt. Read papers that explain why some species survive disturbance and others collapse.
See the 2025 archiveSummer 2026
Subjects.
Subjects are finalized as we confirm mentors. The final lineup will be announced before registration closes. Students may indicate up to two subject preferences on the registration form, and a mid-program rotation opportunity is offered for students who want exposure to a second field.
Chemistry
Chemistry in the world around you. Analyze real-world studies on heavy metals in tea, atmospheric water harvesting, and other applied research.
See the 2025 archiveComputer Science
How modern AI actually works. Read the paper that introduced transformers, then a recent paper on agentic classroom AI.
See the 2025 archiveMathematics
Math in places you do not expect — the structure of social networks, the math behind cryptography, the patterns that organize the World Wide Web.
See the 2025 archiveNeuroscience
How memory works — and how it can be created, lost, or even faked. Read the landmark Patient H.M. study, then a paper that built a false memory using light.
See the 2025 archivePhysics
New for 2026. Cohort and papers to be announced once a mentor is confirmed.
Psychology
How the mind works — attention, memory, obedience. Analyze the ethics and methods of one of psychology's most famous (and controversial) experiments.
See the 2025 archiveDon't see your favorite subject?
YSJC's subject list grows when new mentors join. If you're a high school student with research or teaching experience in a STEM field we don't offer yet, we'd love to hear from you — email ysjcteam@gmail.com.