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Extended Research Program

Learn scientific thinking, systematic literature review & writing.

The program places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, empowering students to undertake independent projects and actively contribute to ongoing scientific investigations.

Now accepting applications for 2026 extended research program (ERP) for high school & exceptional middle school students.

The Extended Research Program (ERP) is a 12-week online research initiative tailored for academically motivated students with a keen interest in biomedical sciences.

ERP fellows conduct their research under the mentorship of an established scientist with a proven track record in the field.

Distinguish yourself, fuel your ambition, and stand out with advanced knowledge and superior preparation.

Our mission is to provide motivated students with early exposure to the dynamic and exciting world of scientific research. Through a semester-long research project, students cultivate essential skills, including systematic and rational thinking, overcoming bias, distinguishing causation from correlation, applying statistical methods, conducting literature reviews, and mastering scientific writing.

For those passionate about medicine, ERP offers a research opportunity to develop critical thinking, scientific literacy, and practical skills —offering invaluable early insights into the realm of medical discovery and innovation. This immersive experience helps students deepen their understanding of research in areas that resonate with their interests.

Extended Research Program
Extended Research Program

Program Details

Skill Level:Advanced
Program Dates:Jun-6th to Aug-29th (tentative)
Program Time:will be shared with selected students
Format:Online (details shared with selected students)

Research Tracks

Molecular Medicine and Genomics

Neuroscience

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

Enhance your academic profile with early start, in-depth knowledge and research skills for pursuing medicine in high school, college and beyond.

Once an Elio student - you always have access to our mentors, vast set of resources, and alumni students who have gone over to have successful careers.

ERP Support for Students

Topic Selection & Research

  • Conduct guided research in biomedical sciences through live sessions in your area of interest.

  • Explore advancements using cutting-edge tools, software, methodologies, and reputable databases.

  • Learn ethics and best practices, including academic integrity, data handling, GCP, and SOPs.

Achievements

  • ERP Fellows complete their apprenticeship by producing a publication, research poster, or featured website.

  • High-achieving students receive coaching and access to exclusive onsite training opportunities at leading academic institutions and industry settings.

  • Research experience enhances college applications and scholarships, showcasing initiative, analytical skills, and commitment to scientific inquiry.

Logical Deductions

  • Develop evidence-based reasoning by gathering credible data and distinguishing knowledge from perception bias.

  • Learn structured analysis by breaking down complex ideas, examining relationships, and identifying patterns or inconsistencies.

  • Master objective evaluation by remaining unbiased and using clear criteria for well-supported conclusions.

Assistance & Insights

  • Receive personalized feedback and guidance from experienced professionals to clarify complex topics and provide direction.

  • Engage in group discussions, mentorship, and reviews to enhance learning, critical thinking, and collaboration.

  • Utilize tools, databases, and platforms to streamline data analysis, literature reviews, and organization of research findings.

How does the ERP work?

ERP is structured to provide a semester-long comprehensive learning experience. ERP focuses on recent breakthroughs in medicine and enables deeper understanding of the topic.

Students actively explore cutting-edge topics and innovations in medical advancements while developing proficiency in research methodologies, analytical tools, and data interpretation techniques. The curriculum includes milestones to guide progress, with students receiving regular feedback from mentors to ensure they stay on track.

Successful program completion paves the way for future opportunities by cultivating critical skills, fostering collaboration, strengthening academic profiles, and expanding professional networks. Research outcomes enhance visibility through conferences, publications, and competitions, providing a solid foundation for long-term success in academia and beyond.

ERP Program Structure

Be curious. Knowledge can change your world.

We set your career path by planting the seed of knowledge and curiosity.

Student Benefits

Mentorship from Subject Experts

  • Gain expert guidance and credible feedback from instructors with strong academic, research, or industry backgrounds.

  • Small group settings foster rapport with instructors and provide opportunities for in-depth research.

  • Regular reviews, one-on-one mentorship, and constructive feedback support growth and sustain motivation throughout the program.

Research Outcomes

  • Comprehensive research project report or manuscript summarizing findings and insights.

  • Formally present research at scientific competitions to effectively communicate outcomes.

  • Develop critical thinking, gap analysis, problem-solving, data analysis, literature review, and scientific writing skills, showcasing practical and academic competencies.

Early Exposure to Research

  • Develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence to tackle complex academic challenges.

  • Gain a competitive edge in college applications while refining career goals. Many of our ERP fellows are prepared to engage in part-time research at college laboratories as early as their freshman year.

  • Build valuable connections with mentors and peers, fostering a foundation for lifelong learning and innovation.

Build Profile to Support College Applications

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge, self-motivation, and depth, enhancing your college admission profile.

  • Highlight your passion and stand out from other applicants.

  • Build a strong network by connecting with scientific communities, mentors, and internships, paving the way for future academic and career success.

ERP connects students passionate about medicine with opportunities in academic and industry-led research, as well as access to mentors, internships, and conferences, building a strong foundation for future academic and career success.

ERP Student Success

Through the program, fellows gain valuable insights into their aptitudes, shaping their future educational paths. Many past ERP fellows have joined research laboratories at their colleges, excelling at institutions such as UCB, MIT, Yale, among others.

By the ERP course completion, the students develop a good understanding of biomedical science. The exposure gained equip them with better foresight for the educational journey ahead.

Lastly, as a part of this nurturing community our students will have access to all our instructors, alumni, and fellow students to discuss and ask questions long after the course completion.

Your question is not "just a question"

Behind lies wonder & perhaps Unbound Interest!

Activities & Credits

Scientific Poster

Students learn to make high quality science posters & hone their presentation skills.

Research Report Manuscript

Learn to draft scientific write-ups with clear and convincing narratives.

Certificates

Outstanding students also get opportunities for long-term projects with mentors.

Application Process

2026 Applications are open now. To apply, please complete the online form.

Recent ERP Student Projects

Therapeutic Suggestions For Group 3 Medulloblastoma

Harshita Sinha and Yaanaa Garg

(Lake Stevens HS & Navrachana International School)

ERPCancerBiology
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease Progression

Kayla Roh and Tarun Chethan

(Fairmont Preparatory Academy & Greenwood High International)

ERPNeuroSci
Combination Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy​

Jacob Shachar and Raj Datta

(Washington Township HS & Paramus High School)

GeneticsERP
Downstream Target RSPO3 in Treatment Resistant GBM

Connor Chiu

(Jericho High School)

ERPNeuroSci
Risk Factor for Melanoma Linked to Poor Survival

Wenqi Yang and Michael Li

(San Juan Hills HS & Langley High School)

GeneticsERP
Predicting Multiple Sclerosis Onset and Progression

Madison Qu

(Manhasset High School)

ERPNeuroSci
SEMA3A Signaling as a Target Pathway for Medulloblastoma

Victoria Lam

(Jericho High School)

ERPCancerBiology
🇮🇳
A Comparative Study on HPV-negative Vs. HPV-positive OPSCC

Siddharth Mitra

(10X International School, India)

ERPGenetics
Science Fair Winner
TERT Shelterin Complex

Neerja Bathla

(Keystone School)

ERPCancerBiology
Novel Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury

Emma Chang

(Lynbrook High School)

ERPNeuroSci
🇮🇳
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and CAR-T therapy

Rachel Daniel

(Greenwood High International)

CancerBiologyERP
Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Sadhika Pendyala

(The Quarry Lane School)

ERPCancerBiology
🇮🇳
Alzheimer's Disease - Current and Emerging

Prisha Thukral

(Oberoi International School)

NeuroSci
Bipolar 1 Disorder

Oliver Bodden-Howard and Marissa Miller

(Urban School of San Francisco & International High School)

ERPNeuroSci
HFrEF: Stem Cell Treatment and Impacts

Irene Batta and Alisha Joseph

ERPDataSci
🇵🇭
Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Jaein Kho

(Chinese International School)

ERPImmunology
Multiple Sclerosis

Abhisri Korrapati

(Allen D. Nease High School)

ERP
Pancreatic Cancer and Therapeutics

Katelyn Gelle

(Del Norte High School)

Mentored Projects

Want to Work on Your Own Project?

Apply to ELIO mentored projects in Genetics, Neuroscience, Medical Data Science, Biochemistry,

Apply Now

Past Experiences

What Our Students Say

Marissa Miller avatar
Marissa Miller
International High School, SFOView Project

ELIO Academy offers an excellent blend of collaborative research opportunities with a chosen partner, complemented by cohort-wide lectures, all guided by an experienced mentor. This early introduction to the fundamentals of biomedical research has provided me with a strong foundation that I can ...

See More Reviews by Students/Parents

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