# Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)

Two-week molecular biology and bioinformatics research institute at Rutgers where students entering grades 10-12 sequence and analyze duckweed genes and can publish their findings in GenBank; in-person ($2,200) and virtual ($600) sessions.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | $2,200 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–11 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Piscataway, NJ |
| Apply | https://wssp.rutgers.edu/wise |

## About this program

# Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)

The Waksman Institute Summer Experience is the student summer institute of the Waksman Student Scholars Program at Rutgers University's Waksman Institute of Microbiology. Over two intensive weeks, high school students join an authentic, ongoing research project in molecular biology and bioinformatics: analyzing DNA sequences of genes from the duckweed Landoltia punctata using the same tools professional scientists use.

## What You'll Do

- Conduct wet-lab molecular biology experiments at the Waksman Institute in Piscataway (in-person WISE sessions)
- Analyze DNA sequence data with professional bioinformatic tools and complete daily assignments and quizzes
- Work through lectures, videos, and seminars on genetics, molecular biology, and genomics
- Submit approved gene analyses to GenBank, the National Institutes of Health DNA sequence database, as a published contribution

## Who Should Apply

Students entering grades 10-12 who have completed at least one high school biology course and can commit to every day of the two-week institute. In 2026 two in-person sessions ran June 22-July 2 and July 27-August 7 ($2,200, covering seminars, lab supplies, and reagents), plus a virtual vWISE session August 10-21 ($600). Applications typically open in winter and 2026 sessions filled - apply early.

## Outcomes

WISE students finish with genuine research output - gene annotations submitted to GenBank with their names attached - plus lab and bioinformatics skills that feed directly into the year-long Waksman Student Scholars research program many schools run, science fair projects, and future research applications.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) cost?

Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) costs $2,200. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)?

Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) is open to high school students in grades 9–11. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) online or in person?

Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) is an in-person program based in Piscataway, NJ.

### How do I apply to Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)?

Apply directly through Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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