The Research Exploration Opportunity program, coordinated by the University of Toronto St. George STEM Fellowship Branch, provides high school students with the opportunity to experience cutting-edge research in a university laboratory. This one-week program runs during the 2022 March Break and enables students to explore the world of research, be immersed in the process of scientific inquiry, and ask questions about possible paths to this field. At a University of Toronto lab, participants will engage in activities including tours of first-class research facilities, introductions to basic techniques and experiments using state-of-the-art equipment, shadowing of lab personnel, and attending lab meetings, seminars, and faculty presentations.

Should you have questions/concerns regarding the REO program or application, please email stephanie.huynh@stemfellowship.org or agetha.mahendran@stemfellowship.org.

Key Dates

December 1, 2021

Student applications open

January 15, 2022 at 11:59 pm EST

Student applications close. No late applications or application components will be reviewed.

February 2022

Applications reviewed & mentor-mentee pairings finalized

2022 March Break

Program runs at the University of Toronto

2022 Internship Testimonials

This program was a great success in 2022, as it was the fifth year of the program, with over 100 student applications and 20 students selected to conduct research in 11 different labs. Students explored areas of research including biomechanics, petroleum engineering, climate change, stem cells, software engineering, nanotechnology, exercise physiology, and more. In addition, students and teachers were invited to a reception to meet their peers and network with accomplished researchers. Click here for a link to testimonials from students who participated in our 2022 research program.

Click here for a link to testimonials from students who participated in our 2018 internships program.

Reserved Seats

Approximately 50% of available spots will be reserved for high school students that self-identify as coming from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. Students from the following backgrounds qualify under the underrepresented student category:

  • Indigenous or of Indigenous ancestry
  • Socioeconomically disadvantaged
  • Rural students
  • New immigrants
  • Refugees
  • Other

2022 Internship Testimonials

This program was a great success in 2022, as it was the fifth year of the program, with over 100 student applications and 20 students selected to conduct research in 11 different labs. Students explored areas of research including biomechanics, petroleum engineering, climate change, stem cells, software engineering, nanotechnology, exercise physiology, and more. In addition, students and teachers were invited to a reception to meet their peers and network with accomplished researchers. Click here for a link to testimonials from students who participated in our 2022 research program.

Click here for a link to testimonials from students who participated in our 2018 internships program.

Reserved Seats

Approximately 50% of available spots will be reserved for high school students that self-identify as coming from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. Students from the following backgrounds qualify under the underrepresented student category:

  • Indigenous or of Indigenous ancestry
  • Socioeconomically disadvantaged
  • Rural students
  • New immigrants
  • Refugees
  • Other

For information on future STEM Fellowship University of Calgary events, follow the branch at:

Published On: December 5th, 2022 / Categories: Calgary, Research Programs /