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A Path that Starts Here Can Take You Anywhere.

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Science Research & Design

In this unique and rigorous sequence, students don’t just study science—they become scientists.

From formulating research questions to designing and executing experiments, SRD students perform advanced, self-directed investigations using Berkeley Carroll’s state-of-the-art lab facilities. Unlike many similar programs, BC’s SRD emphasizes on-campus research, allowing students to take full ownership of their projects and develop deep expertise in their chosen fields.

College-level Research in High School

Throughout the program, students engage in scientific practices at the collegiate level: reading and analyzing peer-reviewed literature, replicating published experiments, and presenting their findings to authentic audiences.

By the end of the program, they are not only confident and curious learners but also ethical, informed scientists prepared to pursue STEM degrees and advocate for evidence-based, globally impactful science.

Upon completion, they are informed scientists—independently motivated, highly collaborative, and well-prepared to pursue STEM degrees in college.

The SRD program inspires students to be critical thinkers who advocate for ethical, evidence-based science that guides collective knowledge and global action. In short, they learn to become creators of knowledge, agents of scientific progress, and advocates of change.

 

Course Overview by grade level

10th Grade

In 10th grade, students take Introduction to Science Research and Design, where they read a variety of papers and articles as they learn how to dissect and understand scientific writing and expose themselves to many different fields of study.

Read More about 10th Grade
11th Grade

In 11th grade, students take Advanced Science Research and Design, where they further hone their research skills by first verifying a published research study before designing and conducting their own independent project.

Read More about 11th Grade
12th Grade

In 12th grade, students take Science Research and Design: Symposium, where they finalize their own individual research and learn how to statistically analyze their findings. 

Read More about 12th Grade

Class of 2025 Research

Aaron A.
Aaron A.

Exploring Bioremediation: Using Constructed Wetlands for Cyanobacteria Mitigation

Ariana C.
Ariana C.

Investigating Natural Fiber Alternatives to Superabsorbent Polymers in Sanitary Products

Bethsabée B.
Bethsabée B.

The Effects of Chemical Pollutants on Aquatic Organisms

Billy G.
Billy G.

Investigating Planarian Photophobia Under Parkinson’s Model and Beta-Carotene Co-treatment

Daniela H.
Daniela H.

Nic Sick Nematodes: How Toxic Concentrations Inhibit the Gustatory Plasticity of C. elegans

Felipe M.
Felipe M.

The Effects of Different Serotonin Receptor Modulation on Aggression in D. Melanogaster

Jules S.
Jules S.

Investigating the Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Planarian Asexual Reproduction

Katie F.
Katie F.

Hesperidin and Hesperetin Impacts on Drosophila melanogaster with Parkinson’s-like Behavior

Maggie G.
Maggie G.

The Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on the Heart Rate of Daphnia Magna: Proving Its Ecotoxicology

Max M.
Max M.

Breaking the Boundaries of Learning: Non-Neural Habituation and Decision-Making in Slime Mold

Saul N.
Saul N.

Investigating the Role of Melatonin in Reversing the Negative Effects of Heat Stress on the Growth of Wisconsin Fast Plants

Sydney L.
Sydney L.

The Effects of Monster Energy® Exposure on Motility and Phototaxis in Planarians

Taseen M.
Taseen M.

The Effects of Microbiome Manipulation on D. Dorotocephala Responses to Nicotine

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recognized student-driven research

BC students’ SRD research has been recognized by external experts and national science organizations.

  • In 2023, Jude T. ’23 was the sole recipient of the RTK Scholars Award for outstanding SRD work in environmental studies. “In the future,” Jude states, “I’d like to translate my background in sustainable agriculture to public policy. This way, I believe I can make a positive impact.”
  • In 2021, Zoe P. ’21 was one of only 5 students in the United States to be named a 2021 Rising Scientist by the Child Mind Institute in recognition of her SRD work in studying the impact of personality on coping response to COVID-19. 
  • In 2018, Kian S. ’18, did his SRD project with CRISPR gene-editing technology, and was featured in a Wall Street Journal article. In 2021, Kian was selected for a prestigious Z Fellowship and completed the initial rounds of fundraising to seed and found his own human genomics company.