Students in the Summer Ventures Methodology for the Production and Stabilization of a New Vegan Milk Product research course are pictured with instructor Daniel Parker, center, who serves as App State’s fermentation sciences lab manager. Photo submitted
BOONE, N.C. — For four weeks each summer, high school students from across North Carolina step into the role of researchers at Appalachian State University through Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics.
Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1984, Summer Ventures is a state-funded program for academically motivated high school students interested in careers in science or math. Participation is free, and students experience residential life on a university campus.
The program is administered through the University of North Carolina System and coordinated by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. App State is one of four UNC System schools that host Summer Ventures, with App State’s program led by the Reich College of Education’s Mathematics and Science Education Center.
“This is a transformative experience,” said App State Summer Ventures Director Lori Tyler. “It reshapes the way students think about academics and research, as well as what college life is all about.”
Students in App State’s Summer Ventures Aquatic Ecology research course examine aquatic samples under microscopes during a laboratory session. Photo submitted
Tyler attended Summer Ventures in 1986 and joined the program’s staff in 1991 before becoming director in 2006.
“It changed my life,” she said. “I was from a small town and there weren’t a lot of other nerdy kids like me. Then all of a sudden, I was with a group of kids who were like me — interested in learning and taking ownership of their learning.”
Over the course of the program, students take part in research, demonstration, problem-solving and technical writing coursework, along with social, athletic, cultural and other cocurricular activities. They engage in science and math research, work closely with App State faculty and staff and complete a collaborative research project that culminates in a scientific paper and oral presentation.
“Our faculty are amazing,” said Tyler. “I’ve worked really hard to establish relationships with departments and faculty who not only know how to teach this age group of students but also how to guide and mentor them.”
App State Summer Ventures students participate in a field day activity. Photo submitted
Students in App State’s Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics collaborate on a research project during a group work session. Photo submitted
A student in App State’s Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics program examines a brain during a psychology seminar. Photo submitted
App State Summer Ventures students enjoy a recreational outing to Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge. Photo submitted
Inside the Summer Ventures experience
Dr. Shea Tuberty, professor in App State’s Department of Biology, has been involved with Summer Ventures since 2009 and has led the program’s Aquatic Ecology course for 14 of the past 17 years.
This summer, 12 students worked in four research teams to:
- Analyze 16 years of data collected in the upper South Fork New River by App State’s interdisciplinary AppAqua research team, while contributing their own data
- Measure carbon dioxide emissions from High Country headwater streams as part of a collaboration with NASA to better understand the role of these natural systems in the global carbon cycle
- Assess the impact of the 2024 Hardin Creek restoration project on aquatic biodiversity and productivity of fish and macroinvertebrates
- Investigate the effects of the invasive plant species Japanese knotweed on nutrient concentrations in Wilson Creek
A student in App State’s Summer Ventures Aquatic Ecology research course records observations during field research along a Western North Carolina stream. Photo submitted
“Getting them over the fear that they can’t do this kind of work is critical to their success by providing an opportunity to build their experience and confidence,” said Tuberty.
The program’s research projects are conducted in a low-stakes environment, he said, allowing both students and faculty to explore new ideas and areas of inspiration. Many of the promising projects Tuberty has piloted through Summer Ventures have gone on to become the focus of master’s degree theses.
“Working with my great colleagues and graduate students, we have this wonderful chance to learn from each other and share this experience with students who truly appreciate the opportunity to spend meaningful time in nature and in a beautiful environment,” he said.
A path to research begins at App State
Summer Ventures was designed to be hosted at regional public universities, with the current programs taking place at App State, East Carolina University, UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington.
“This gives us the opportunity to expose students to our campus, and a lot of them find that at App State, research is accessible — here, you can probably get into a research lab on your first day,” said Tyler.
Incoming first-year App State student Brenda Randell, of Chapel Hill, presents tardigrade research she conducted through Summer Ventures at the American Junior Academy of Science conference in Phoenix last February. Photo submitted
Incoming first-year student Brenda Randell, of Chapel Hill, was introduced to Summer Ventures through her mother, Tonya, who participated in the program as a student. Randell’s own experience in the program helped shape her path to App State.
“Summer Ventures absolutely influenced my decision to attend App State,” she said.
Randell attended the program in 2024, conducting research with Dr. Brooke Christian, professor in App State’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, on tardigrade proteins and their ability to stabilize insulin. Like Randell, Christian attended Summer Ventures at App State as a high school student — an experience that influenced her decision to return to the university as an undergraduate before eventually joining its faculty.
“I fell in love with App State and Boone and I knew I wanted to come back and keep working with Dr. Christian,” she said. “When it was time to apply for college, I only applied to App State.”
Randell added that Summer Ventures gave her laboratory experience, research skills and access to technology she never would have had otherwise.
Over the years, Tyler and Tuberty have seen the lasting impact of Summer Ventures through the many students they have supported beyond the program. Both have written countless recommendation letters for students who have participated.
“The Summer Ventures experience is what stands out the most for them when they apply to colleges,” said Tuberty. “Most of these students matriculate to amazing schools and I hope that by providing them with this unique opportunity, it has played a significant role in them maturing as budding STEM majors and responsible young individuals.”
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About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
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