Online Research Academy (High School)
This intensive, virtual program transforms high school students into researchers. Over four weeks, you won’t just learn theory; you’ll immediately apply fundamental research methodologies to complete a dedicated, college-level research project. Gain the confidence, skills, and experience you need to stand out in the competitive world of college admissions.
Engage your passion and collaborate with a top-tier research faculty mentor. This program is designed to build your portfolio and prepare you for university-level academics.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Choose from diverse project topics across many disciplines, applying your classroom knowledge to current real-world problems.
- Direct Faculty Mentorship: Collaborate closely with a university faculty member during regular online meetings, building a professional relationship and receiving personalized feedback on your project.
- College Application Edge: Receive a GTI program certificate and evaluation letter from your professor.
- Master Real-World Skills: Learn to design, execute, and present a substantial research project.
If you have additional questions, please email gti-admissionsacademy@ncsu.edu
“We had many scholarly discussions about engineering and physics topics, which were very engaging and helpful in preparing for seminar-style college classes.”
G.A.
High school sophomore, USA
Research Projects
Students can select the research topics that align most closely with their personal interests.
The meeting times for the program and the info sessions are listed are U.S. Eastern Standard Time (or Eastern Daylight Time).
The project syllabus can be downloaded by expanding the details of the listed project.
Computer Science
Drone Delivery For Retail: Assessing, Analyzing, & Predictive Modeling
- Meeting times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m.
- For students interested in: Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics
- Deliverables: Research report, project proposal and presentation
- Download Drone Deliver for Retail project syllabus
AI for Loan Applications
- Meeting times: Thursdays and Fridays, 7-8 p.m.
- For students interested in: Computer Science, Finance, and AI
- Deliverables: Research report; Loan approval proposal and presentation
- Download AI for Loan Applications project syllabus
Blockchain and Digital Currencies
- Meeting times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
- For students interested in: Computer science, Cybersecurity, and Finance
- Deliverables: Research report; Capstone project and presentation
- Download Blockchain & Digital Currencies project syllabus
Fingerprinting Virtual Private Networks
- Meeting times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8-9 p.m.
- For students interested in: Computer Science, Computer Networks, Network Security
- Deliverables: Research report, presentation
- Download Fingerprinting Virtual Private Networks project syllabus
Engineering
Visualization In Engineering
- Meeting times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-6 p.m.
- For students interested in: Engineering and Physics
- Deliverable: 5-10 minute documentary video on science/engineering topic
- Download Visualization in Engineering project syllabus
From Fiber to Fabric
- Meeting times: Mondays and Friday, 8-9 p.m.
- For students interested in: Textile Science & Engineering
- Deliverable: Presentation to summarize the research project
- Download From Fiber to Fabric project syllabus
Wearable Robotics for Assistive Healthcare
- Meeting times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
- For students interested in: Textile Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
- Deliverables: Research report, presentation
- Download Wearable Robotics for Assistive Healthcare project syllabus
Making Aircrafts Lighter and Stronger through Structural and Materials Design
- Meeting times: Mondays and Friday, 8-9 p.m.
- For students interested in: Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, and other engineering majors
- Deliverables: Capstone project, presentation
- Download Making Aircrats Lighter & Stronger project syllabus
Financial Math
Financial Derivatives Pricing in the U.S.
- Meeting times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
- For students interested in: Financial Math, Math and Finance
- Deliverable: An option pricing toolbox in Python
- Download Financial Derivatives project syllabus
Social Science
Digital Marketing Campaigns: AI & Communication Research
- Meeting times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8-9 p.m.
- For students interested in: Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism
- Deliverables: Final research paper; Comprehensive digital marketing plan
- Download Digital Marketing Campaigns project syllabus
Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals and Human Well-being
- Meeting times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8 p.m.
- For students interested in: Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, Pre-Law
- Deliverable: Research poster
- Download Understanding the SDGs & Human Well-being project syllabus
Congratulations to the 2025 Summer Final Project Winners:
Drone Delivery For Retail: Assessing, Analyzing, & Predictive Modeling: Group B (Yuxuan C, Carson N, Roshan S, Haozhe Y, Delancy Z)
Digital Communication Strategies & Consumer Data Analysis: Group 1 (Dhruv A, Ronin R, Hansika B, Jashan G, Isabella P)
Visualization In Engineering: James B
Financial Derivatives Pricing in the U.S.: Darsh G
Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals and Human Well-being: Aaliya M
Application Process
Students are expected to spend 5-10 hours a week on their research projects. You will receive an NC State University program certificate and an evaluation letter from the faculty upon the successful completion of the program.
Application Requirements
- Currently enrolled in high school (grade 10 or higher)
- English Proficiency Requirement: All international students from non-English-speaking countries must meet minimum score requirements.
- TOEFL IBT 75
- IELTS 6.0
- Duolingo 95
- Exemption: The requirement is waived for international students who have studied full-time for two years in an English-speaking country.
Application Process and Timeline
Application Opens October 1 Application Review & Placement October 14, rolling admissions Early Bird Discount ($50 off) Application Deadline November 16 Applications Close January 4, 2026 Participant Selections Finalized October 14-January 6, 2026 Program Acceptance Deadline* 7 days after admission decision made Professor-Student Introductions Starting January 21 Program Orientation January 28 Program Start Week of February 2 Program Graduation Ceremony March 12
