Transform Your Summer Into Scientific Discovery
Uncover how innovative research can change you and your community for the better.
Summer Catalyst is a unique research experience that accelerates the transformation of 20 high school and 5 college students who are interested in STEM and medicine.
Unlock your intellectual potential by conducting original laboratory projects with Caltech- and UCLA-training scientists.
Spend 5 weeks in June/July immersing yourself in real-world biomedical and environmental challenges in our lab in Monrovia, CA.
Because of their transformational experience at Catalyst, students start the summer as "version 1.0" and finish as "version 2.0".
The Catalyst Difference
Small Groups, Big Support
Work in teams of 4 students with dedicated undergraduate research assistants. Our 1:4 staff-to-student ratio ensures personalized mentorship. Guest speakers share their professional insights on what it takes to succeed.
Real Research, Real Impact
This isn't a simulation nor a cook-book lab. You'll explore actual scientific questions—from developing natural therapeutics for diabetes to removing pollutants from water—using the same equipment and methods employed in university and industry labs.
Hands-On From Day One
Beyond the Lab
Design experiments where you drive the scientific process with freedom and independence. Handle live bacteria cultures in BSL-2 biosafety cabinets. Track experiments using UV-Vis spectrophotometry.
Learn to read scientific literature, write abstracts, present findings at conferences, and navigate the uncertainty inherent in discovery.
Character + Skills
Catalyst builds scientific literacy and resilience. You'll learn how to embrace open-ended challenges, collaborate with partners, and communicate complex ideas—all skills that transcend STEM.
Experience it yourself.
About the Catalyst Research Program
Student Spotlight
Catalyst: A Unique Opportunity
Why Parents Should Consider Catalyst
Research Focus
We seek meaningful answers in these research areas through scientific rigor.
Wound Care
Can natural products combat bacteria that render wounds "chronic"? How can essential oils or aqueous extracts disrupt bacterial infections?
Pollutant Bioremediation
Can microalgae remove "pollutants of emerging concern" (BPA, triclosan, estradiol) from wastewater? What novel remediation agents lead to pollutant-free water?
Women's Health
How can we enhance women's health by studying bacteria like Lactobacillus crispatus? What "prebiotics" boost beneficial bacteria?
Metabolic Disorders
Can plant extracts inhibit enzymes that contribute to blood sugar spikes? How can we identify therapeutic alternatives to costly pharmaceuticals?
2026 Program Details
Summer Catalyst is a hybrid experience of Pre-Lab (online in June) and Lab (in-person in July). Students begin collaborating with their Project groups during the Pre-Lab week, then come in-person to Monrovia for 3 weeks to conduct the hands-on laboratory experiments.
Site
Catalyst Research Lab, Monrovia, CA
2026 Program Dates
June ~ asynchronous training (10 hours)
June 22-26 ~ Pre-Lab Training (90 minutes online daily + HW)
July 6-24 ~ In-Lab Laboratory Experiments (10 AM - 4:30 PM, M-F)
February 25 ~ Application goes live
March 13 ~ Priority deadline
March 20 ~ Wait-list deadline