Imagine spending six weeks of your summer conducting college level research all by yourself. For seniors Cat Pherigo and Taylor Bell, though, that is exactly what happened. The two are both members of the Students and Teachers as Research Scientists program (STARS), which allows students to do independent research at different universities in St. Louis.
Starting June 7, they woke up at seven o’clock every morning, then drove nearly half an hour to their labs- for six weeks straight. Bell did his research on cell modeling of drugs in order to test cancer treatments at the University of Missouri- St. Louis (UMSL). Pherigo researched the transient kinetic characterization on the catalyst at Washington University.
“I like that I was able to get an insight as to what real research is like,” Bell said. “But I didn’t like the fact that a lot of the stuff was over my head.”
After the six weeks of research were completed, Pherigo and Bell compiled their data into a 20 page scientific research paper and presented their information to other members of the STARS program. During their graduation ceremony, members were awarded a scholarship for half tuition of four years at UMSL.
“Although I did have to wake up early everyday, I am so glad that I did the program.” Pherigo said. “It was a good learning experience and it cemented my interests in a career in science.”

Although both Bell and Pherigo were awarded scholarships to UMSL, they are both looking at different schools as well. Their prospects are prestigious colleges such as Yale University,Rice University and Washington University.