Research Mentorship
Become a specialist in your field of interest and stand out in the admissions process.
What Is IvyWise Research Mentorship?
IvyWise Research Mentorship is a bespoke independent research program for highly motivated high school students to conduct groundbreaking research under the expert guidance of a Ph.D. mentor.
Whether you want to explore the origins of the universe, research treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, examine the impact of AI on international markets, or pursue answers related to another topic, you will:
- Gain expertise by taking a deep dive with an expert in your field of interest.
- Learn how to conduct research, write scientifically, and complete a 20+ page paper.
- Submit research to an established journal, competition, or conference, and likely become a published researcher.
- Build a relationship with an expert who can provide recommendation letters and connect you to future research opportunities.
- Gain a long-term mentor in your field of interest.
With IvyWise Research Mentorship, you’re not just another college applicant — you’re a standout candidate with a research-driven edge.
Students who engage in research are 4 times more likely to get into top universities.
Research Mentorship Program Offerings
We offer two programs, so you can choose which one works best with your schedule and academic goals.
Research Mentorship
| A three- to four-month commitment | |
| Goal: publication in high school- or college-level journal | |
| 15 individual sessions with your Ph.D. mentor | |
| 4 individual sessions with your writing coach | |
| 4 individual sessions with your publication specialist | |
| Guidance and oversight from your IvyWise counselor | |
| Program management from your Client Relations Manager |
Research Fellowship
| A six- to 12-month commitment | |
| Goal: highly selective research competition or publication | |
| 30 individual sessions with your Ph.D. mentor | |
| 6-8 individual sessions with your writing coach | |
| 4 individual sessions with your publication specialist | |
| Guidance and oversight from your IvyWise counselor | |
| Program management from your Client Relations Manager |
What Can I Research?
Aerospace Engineering • AI • Architecture • Business • Chemistry • Classics • Computer Science • Data Science • Economics • Education • Engineering • Entrepreneurship • Environmental Science • Gender Studies and Inequality • History and Civilizations • International Relations and Government • Linguistics • Mathematics • Medicine and Public Health • Neuroscience and Neurobiology • Philosophy • Physics and Astrophysics • Psychology • Public Policy • Robotics • Sociology and Anthropology
Students may also customize their own research topic.
What Does Student Research Look Like?
Student research isn’t just microscopes and beakers. You will get to choose a research topic that will help you become a specialist in your field of interest and stand out in the hyper-competitive college admissions process. Examples of research topics include:
Cancer hallmarks and targeted therapies
Sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion battery technology
Potential preventatives and therapeutics in Alzheimer’s disease
The use of visual arts in social and political movements
Machine learning methods that accurately forecast cryptocurrency price returns
…and more!
Your Research Mentorship Team
Conducting research is vital, but effective presentation is equally paramount. That’s why our whole Research Mentorship team works tirelessly to showcase your work by submitting to a competition, conference, or academic journal — for maximum impact on your applications.
Ph.D. Mentors
You’ll be paired with a distinguished Ph.D. mentor in your field of interest who will provide invaluable insights and support during your weekly meetings. Together, you’ll craft a research topic, delve into relevant literature, and embark on a transformative journey of discovery.
Meet just a few of our mentors:
Sarah
Anthropology & Africana Studies, Brown University
Sarah is a passionate agroecologist and activist scholar with a deep interest in understanding how social, ecological, political, and economic factors shape the socioenvironmental realities of Florida and the Caribbean Basin. Her research focuses on how Black, Indigenous, and people of color respond to food and environmental injustices in Central Florida. Utilizing her expertise in agroecology, alongside engaged, collaborative, and public methodologies, Sarah addresses food and environmental injustice in her community.
Richa
Biology, Cornell University
Richa is a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in biochemistry, studying cell migration through confined spaces, focusing on its implications for cancer metastasis. Her training in traditional biochemistry, combined with her Ph.D. experience in biomedical engineering has equipped her with a solid foundation in cellular and molecular biology. She harbors a deep passion for enhancing scientific literacy and is committed to making scientific discourse more accessible to a broader audience.
Tochukwu
Psychology, University of Cambridge
Tochukwu is a dedicated lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he focuses on cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and the critical study of social inequality. He has crafted and facilitated a range of courses, workshops, and seminars, tackling complex subjects like neurodevelopmental disorders and the profound impacts of early adverse rearing on social inequality. His passion not only lies in teaching but also in mentoring the next generation of scholars in these dynamic fields.
Dr. Meghna
Gender Studies & Inequality, Psychology, Harvard University
Dr. Meghna (Ph.D. English literature) is a distinguished scholar at Harvard University. Dr. Middha's psychology research explores non-normative identities within contemporary fiction and film. Her work critically examines the interplay between media, literature, and societal norms, especially regarding gender and sexuality. Her ongoing studies in psychology are poised to further deepen her interdisciplinary research, blending an understanding of human behavior and social dynamics with her insights into gender and inequality.
Tacye
Economics, University of Cambridge
Tacye is a Ph.D. candidate in economics, delving into trade policy uncertainty and its profound impacts on the macroeconomy. With a specialized focus on multinational firms, her research uncovers the nuances of how uncertainty permeates through domestic and international linkages. Tacye's academic pursuit sheds light on the intricate web of economic dynamics, contributing to a deeper understanding of the global marketplace.
LaNell
Physics, Harvard University
LaNell is a Ph.D. candidate in physics with a specialized focus on soft condensed matter and biophysics and understanding the self-assembly mechanisms of viral proteins into both functional and non-functional structures. She is the founder of the Women+ of Color Project, demonstrating her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sciences. She also plays a significant role in shaping the future of physics education and research as a representative on the APS Council and Board of Directors for the Forum on Graduate Student Affairs.
Writing Coaches and Publication Specialists
Our expert writing coaches and publication specialists will help you refine your writing skills, ensuring clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic standards as you prepare your project for publication.
College Admissions Counselor
Projects are completed under the supervision of your IvyWise Counselor, whose experience in admissions will ensure that your research fits into and enhances your overall applicant profile. They will help you leverage your hard work to make the most impact when it is time to apply to college.
Client Relations Manager
As with every other step of your IvyWise journey, you are also supported through the Research Mentorship program by your dedicated Client Relations Manager. They will continue to ensure that you are on track and getting the most out of your experience.
With IvyWise Research Mentorship, you’ll not only gain invaluable research experience but also unlock a world of opportunities, from contributing meaningfully to your field of interest to strengthening your profile for college admissions.
