Advanced Research for the Next Generation
- Location Philadelphia, USA
- Program Dates December 29, 2026 – January 9, 2027
- Admission 15 Students Selected
15 Students Selected
Application review + professor interview
Application Deadline: October 23
NEXUS gives talented students early access to advanced research through professor-guided mentorship, biomedical investigation, artificial intelligence, technology, and structured academic writing. Students experience research at a level far beyond the traditional classroom while gaining exposure to the academic culture and expectations of leading American universities.
The experience is designed to help students think like researchers, develop meaningful academic work, and begin building the skills and confidence needed for future university-level study.
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Science
Explore experimentation, evidence, biological systems, and the process of scientific discovery
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Technology
Investigate engineering, advanced systems, and the emerging technologies shaping what comes next
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Artificial Intelligence
Explore machine learning, data analysis, intelligent systems, and the human judgment required to work responsibly with AI.
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Medicine
Examine human health, biological research, and emerging biomedical technologies, including advanced approaches such as organ-on-chip research.
Academic Mastery
Students learn to transform advanced research experiences into meaningful academic work. Through structured reflection, research writing, data interpretation, and presentation development, participants build skills especially valuable to students pursuing rigorous international and IB-style academic pathways.
By the end of the experience, students work toward a research essay/report, academic portfolio, and final presentation.
- Research Methodology
- Critical Thinking
- Scientific Communication
- Data Analysis
- Academic Writing
- Research Presentation
The NEXUS Experience
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Professor-Guided Mentorship
Direct guidance from leading researchers and professors in specialized STEM fields.
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Hands-On Research
Authentic laboratory work and project development in a professional academic setting.
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AI & Data Analysis
Advanced training in data science, machine learning, and algorithmic research methodologies.
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Academic Portfolio
Students organize their research, writing, reflections, and project work into an academic portfolio they can carry forward.
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Small-Group Mentorship
Learn in a focused cohort where personalized guidance, peer collaboration, and direct academic mentorship allow students to go deeper than a traditional classroom experience.
The Research Process
Students move through the complete research cycle—from developing a focused scientific question to presenting and defending evidence-based conclusions.
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01. Question
Define a focused research question grounded in a meaningful scientific problem.
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02. Investigation
Gather evidence through guided laboratory work, experimentation, and structured research.
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03. Analysis
Interpret data, identify patterns, and evaluate results using advanced analytical methods.
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04. Discovery
Draw evidence-based conclusions and refine ideas through expert mentorship and feedback.
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05. Presentation
Communicate and defend findings through academic writing, research presentation, and discussion.
- Duration — 2 Weeks
- Intensive Ivy League research experience
- Location — Philadelphia, USA
- East Coast academic and research environment
- Admission — 15 Students Selected
- Application review + professor interview
Leadership, Mentorship & Student Care
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Jenny Kang - Director
Jenny Kang leads NEXUS with a strong focus on academic quality, student development, and meaningful international learning experiences. She works closely with educators, researchers, and families to create a program that is both academically rigorous and personally transformative for each student.
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John Kim - Director
John Kim brings extensive experience in education, program leadership, and student development to NEXUS. His work centers on creating structured, high-quality learning environments that challenge students academically while providing the guidance, organization, and support needed for a successful international research experience.
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Willie London II — American Teacher & Mentor
Willie London II brings more than four years of classroom teaching experience and six years of professional experience in behavioral and youth-support settings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and brings creativity, energy, structure, and strong communication into the academic environment, helping students stay engaged, think critically, and feel confident expressing their ideas throughout the NEXUS experience.
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Alexandria Schmidt — American Teacher & Mentor
Alex brings a warm, student-centered approach to education, combining academic support, mentorship, and strong interpersonal skills to help students feel comfortable, focused, and engaged. Throughout the NEXUS experience, she supports students with daily activities, academic development, organization, and overall well-being while helping create a positive and encouraging learning environment.
Could Your Student Be One of the 15?
NEXUS is not open enrollment. Applications are reviewed before shortlisted students advance to a professor-led interview. Final participants are selected for academic readiness, curiosity, and their potential to benefit from the research experience.
- Application Deadline October 23
- Interviews Late October
- Selection Decisions October 30
More Than a Research Program
Two weeks of research, mentorship, academic growth, American university exposure, and experiences designed to stay with students long after they return home
