NC State and UNC Wilmington Faculty Offer High School Winter Research Experience
High school students from across the United States and Asia will soon have the chance to explore university-level research through a collaborative online program led by faculty from NC State University and UNC Wilmington.
Building on the success of the 2025 winter and summer sessions — which engaged more than 130 students globally — the Winter Research Experience will return from January to March 2026. The program introduces students to the fundamentals of academic research while encouraging them to think critically, collaborate and apply innovation to real-world challenges.
“High school students are naturally curious, so transforming that curiosity into a passion for research just takes some guidance,” said Lynn Wang, strategic partnerships manager with NC State’s Global Training Initiative.
Participants will work directly with university faculty on 11 research topics spanning computer science, engineering, business and social science. Areas of study include:
- Drone Delivery for Retail: Assessing, Analyzing, and Predictive Modeling
- AI for Loan Applications
- Blockchain and Digital Currencies
- Fingerprinting Virtual Private Networks
- Visualization in Engineering
- From Fiber to Fabric
- Wearable Robotics for Assistive Healthcare
- Making Aircrafts Lighter and Stronger through Structural and Materials Design
- Financial Derivatives Pricing in the U.S.
- Digital Marketing Campaigns: AI and Communication Research
- Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals and Human Well-being
Applications Open
Students can apply through Jan. 2, 2026, with an Early Bird discount of $50 available through Nov. 16, 2025. Partial scholarships are available, and children of NC State employees qualify for an additional $50 discount.
Program orientation will take place Jan. 28, followed by research sessions throughout February. The experience will conclude with a virtual graduation ceremony on March 12, 2026.
For more information or to apply, visit the program website.
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