STARS, also known as Students and Teachers As Research Scientists, is a program for sophomores and juniors who would like to expand their knowledge of science and complete one semester of ASR, Applied Scientific Research, over the summer.

The program runs from the second week of June to the third week of July. It involves working in the laboratory under the guidance and wisdom of some of the best scientists from colleges such as Saint Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis.

The program is not lacking in terms of the number of scientists, either. According to University of Missouri-St. Louis, there will be more than 60 of the scientists that cover numerous fields of science such as biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, and medicine.

Other parts of STARS will include numerous lectures by nationally-known scientists and a research paper due at the end of the program.

Last year Westminster seniors Nathan Cherian and Daniel Pollman participated in STARS, and as a result they would be great sources for additional information on the program.

One of the only downsides to STARS may be the cost, which according to University of Missouri-St. Louis is $2595. The experience, however, will be priceless in preparing students for the science-related careers ahead of them.