Conduct Exceptional Research

Nova Research is an online program for middle and high school students, providing personalized mentorship from graduate researchers at Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, and MIT to conduct exceptional research.

What is Nova Research?

We help students cultivate and showcase their interests in a specialized field by matching them with expert mentors to explore a unique research topic of their choice. The program provides a structured yet flexible approach, making it accessible to students at any experience level who are eager to refine their research skills and pursue their passions. By the end, students develop a strong foundation in academic research, gain deeper expertise in their field, and produce a high-quality research paper—many of which go on to be published in research journals, submitted to competitions, or used for college applications and scholarship opportunities..

Why do research in high school?

Stand out on your college applications

Showcase your intellectual curiosity, dedication to academics, and ability to engage with complex topics, all with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the world. As you prepare for college, admissions officers want to see what drives you and how you will use that to change the world.

Work with top researchers

Collaborate with experts at the forefront of their fields - all from the top 5 US universities. You will deepen your understanding of complex subjects and demonstrate your drive to learn from the best and apply that knowledge toward making a impact in your chosen area of study.

Cultivate your passions

Explore subjects you're passionate about in greater depth than traditional coursework offers. From the intricacies of space law to diving into cutting-edge GenAI applications, Nova allows you to push the boundaries of your learning and investigate emerging fields.

Learn advanced skillsets

From NLP to biotechnology, students acquire knowledge that can be applied to future internships and careers. This experience has also empowered students to take advanced classes, giving them a valuable head start on both academic and professional opportunities.

By the numbers

500+

Nova students

$70K+

Given in financial aid

9,000+

Mentoring hours

200+

Nova Mentors

Where are those 200+ mentors from?

You deserve world-class support to reach your full potential. That’s why every Nova mentor conducts research or teaches at one of the world’s top five universities—Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, or Princeton—empowering students to create and showcase meaningful work.

We drive exceptional research across four stages

You don’t need a research question to begin—throughout the process, you’ll dive deep into your field, pinpoint a focus area, and carry out impactful research.

How the Nova research program works

Done in cohorts 5x a year

Our traditional application cycles follow the Fall, Spring, Summer, Summer 2, and Winter terms, each with set application deadlines. While we encourage students to apply by the official deadlines, late applications may still be considered based on mentor availability and program capacity.

Conduct research on your own interests

Share your research interests during the application process, and we’ll help you get started on your research with a mentor who best aligns with your goals—from exploring healthcare innovations to shaping economic policy interventions, and beyond.

Access to the best mentorship - virtually

Gain guidance from expert mentors—PhDs, MDs, MSs, JDs, and MBAs from top 5 institutions—through a fully virtual experience. Our mentors provide personalized support to help you succeed from anywhere in the world.
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Two research pathways:

Nova Research Standard

Write college-level research paper with Nova publication support.

10 hour-long individual sessions with a Nova expert research mentor

1 hour-long publication support session and revision with a Nova Publication Expert

About 2.5 months long

Access to Nova's research resources, including our publication guides and databases, research best practices, and valuable tips and insights from our network of mentors.

Option to extend

Nova Research Premium

A college-level research paper with even more mentorship and Nova publication support.

17 hour-long individual sessions with a Nova expert research mentor

5 hour-long publication support session, including revisions and journal application strategy

About 2.5 - 4.5 months long

Access to Nova's research resources, including our publication guides and databases, research best practices, and valuable tips and insights from our network of mentors.

Option to extend

Example research projects

Students have conducted exceptional research across diverse topics - spanning Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Social Sciences & Humanities.

Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Access to Higher Education in the United States

Social Sciences

Literature Review

Description: Conduct a literature review on the socioeconomic factors affecting access to higher education in the United States. Students will examine how income, geographic location, race, and parental education levels influence college enrollment rates, financial aid accessibility, and academic preparation. Using research from sources like the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, and scholarly articles, this review will highlight disparities in college access and analyze the effectiveness of current policies and programs aimed at supporting low-income and marginalized students.

‍Outcome: A research paper that explores the socioeconomic barriers to higher education, with an emphasis on identifying key factors limiting access and evaluating the impact of policy interventions. The paper includes educational policy recommendations.

The Role of Literature in Social Movements During the United States Civil Rights Era

Humanities

Literature Review

Description: Explore the profound influence of literature on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, examining key works by authors like James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Lorraine Hansberry. Students will investigate how literature served as both a reflection of the socio-political climate and a catalyst for change, shaping public discourse on race, justice, and equality. The project will focus on the themes of racial identity, resistance, and empowerment, and how these works contributed to the broader struggle for civil rights in America. By analyzing these literary contributions, students will gain insight into the role of the arts in driving social and political movements.
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‍Outcome: A research paper that analyzes the influence of key literary works on the Civil Rights Movement, focusing on their impact on public opinion and activism, and how these themes resonate with contemporary struggles for racial justice.

A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Business Models in Eco-Friendly Brands

Business

Literature Review

Description: Conduct an in-depth analysis of how leading brands like Tesla, Beyond Meat, and Allds have integrated tainability into their core business models. The review will compare their approaches to environmental impact reduction, such as material sourcing, supply chain management, and product lifecycle sustainability.The project will also explore the challenges these companies face, such as balancing profitability with environmental goals, and the scalability of their sustainable practices across industries. By examining these brands, students will gain insight into how sustainability contributes to brand perception and long-term profitability.
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‍Outcome: A comprehensive comparative research paper evaluating the effectiveness of sustainable business strategies and providing insights into their potential for long-term success and brand loyalty, supported by case studies and financial performance analysis .

The Impact of Minimum Wage Increases on Small Businesses in the United States

Business

Data Analysis

Description: Analyze the economic impact of recent minimum wage increases on small businesses, focusing on regions with notable wage changes. Using a combination of public datasets and case studies, students will examine how these changes have affected profitability, hiring practices, employee retention, and overall business sustainability. The analysis will include sector-specific insights, identifying industries that are more resilient to wage increases and those that struggle to absorb the costs. The project will also explore how businesses have adapted to these policies, whether through operational adjustments or price changes.

‍Outcome: A detailed research paper outlining the economic effects of minimum wage increases, with data-driven insights and recommendations for balancing wage growth with business sustainability. The paper will include actionable strategies for small businesses to remain competitive in a changing labor market.

Analyzing Care Disparities for Individuals with Autism in Urban vs. Rural Areas in the United States

Medicine

Data Analysis

Description: Investigate healthcare access disparities for individuals with autism, focusing on the differences between urban and rural regions. Using publicly available data from sources such as the CDC, HRSA, and the U.S. Census Bureau, students will analyze key indicators such as the availability of specialized autism services, early diagnosis rates, and wait times for treatment. Statistical analysis tools like Python or R will be used to uncover trends and correlations, particularly in how geography impacts access to care. The project will also explore the implications of these disparities on long-term outcomes for individuals with autism.

Outcome: A research paper analyzing the geographic disparities in healthcare access for individuals with autism, highlighting the challenges faced by rural populations. The paper will include data-driven recommendations for policy changes and strategies to improve service delivery in underserved areas.

Evaluation of Telemedicine Effectiveness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Medicine

Literature Review

Description: Conduct a literature review on telemedicine’s effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on healthcare access, patient satisfaction, and treatment outcomes. By synthesizing research from sources like the CDC, WHO, and healthcare studies, students will explore how telemedicine mitigated barriers to care, particularly during lockdowns and healthcare facility closures. Key areas of focus will include completion rates of virtual appointments, reduced wait times, and accessibility for underserved populations. The review will also examine challenges in telemedicine adoption, such as digital divide issues, patient data privacy concerns, and the variation in patient satisfaction.
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‍Outcome: A comprehensive evaluation of telemedicine’s role during COVID-19, highlighting its strengths and limitations in healthcare delivery. The paper will provide recommendations for enhancing telemedicine practices, focusing on strategies to improve access and patient experience, with considerations for addressing the digital divide in future public health emergencies.

Exploring Fundamental Quantum Algorithms and Their Applications in Cryptography

Engineering

Literature Review

Description: Review key quantum algorithms such as Grover’s algorithm for database search and Shor’s algorithm for factoring large numbers. Students will explore how these algorithms operate in quantum computing environments and their revolutionary potential in fields like cryptography, optimization, and drug discovery. The project will include an analysis of recent advancements in quantum computing hardware and the practical challenges involved in implementing these algorithms. Additionally, students will examine potential future applications of quantum computing in solving complex problems that classical computers cannot efficiently address.
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Outcome: A comprehensive research paper explaining 3-5 quantum algorithms, their theoretical foundations, and real-world applications, with a discussion on the future trajectory of quantum computing and its impact on industries.

Evaluating Bias in Generative AI Chatbots and its Implications on Ethical AI

Engineering

Data Analysis

Description: Investigate how biases related to gender, race, and culture manifest in generative AI models such as GPT-3 and GPT-4. Students will analyze chatbot responses using publicly available datasets like Common Crawl, WinoBias, and StereoSet. The analysis will involve identifying patterns of biased outputs through natural language processing (NLP) techniques, such as sentiment analysis, word frequency analysis, and token distribution analysis. Additionally, students will apply bias detection metrics (such as toxicity scores and stereotype benchmarks) to quantify bias in model outputs. By comparing different prompts and model responses, students will assess how training data and model architecture contribute to biased behavior. This project will also explore corrective techniques like adversarial training and model fine-tuning to mitigate bias in AI-generated responses.

‍Outcome: A research paper detailing the nature of biases found in generative AI models, with recommendations for addressing these biases in future development to create more inclusive and fair AI systems.

What topics could you explore?

Students have conducted exceptional research across diverse topics - spanning Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Social Sciences & Humanities.

Explore Other Previous Projects

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Circular Economy Models in Reducing E-Waste

Abstract: Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing environmental and economic concern, requiring effective management solutions. This study examines how circular economy models—such as product life extension, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling—help reduce e-waste. Through case studies and industry data, we analyze their impact on material recovery, waste reduction, and economic viability. The research identifies key challenges, including technological constraints, regulatory gaps, and consumer behavior, while highlighting best practices that improve sustainability and resource efficiency. The findings offer insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and stakeholders aiming to implement circular strategies in e-waste management.

Quantum Computing’s Impact on Data Security: Risks, Challenges, and Cryptographic Solutions

Abstract: Quantum computing threatens traditional encryption methods by enabling attacks on widely used cryptographic systems such as RSA and ECC. This study examines the vulnerabilities posed by quantum algorithms, particularly Shor’s algorithm, and explores emerging solutions, including post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD). We assess the feasibility of these security measures, the challenges of large-scale adoption, and the timeline for transitioning to quantum-resistant systems. The findings highlight the need for urgent action in cybersecurity to protect digital infrastructure against the disruptive potential of quantum computing.4o

Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Access to Higher Education in the United States

Abstract: Access to higher education in the United States is shaped by a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, which create disparities in enrollment, persistence, and degree attainment. This study examines the impact of family income, parental education, geographic location, and institutional resources on postsecondary access. Using national survey data and case studies, we analyze the correlation between economic status and college enrollment rates, the role of financial aid and student debt, and systemic barriers such as disparities in K-12 preparation and standardized testing. The findings highlight persistent inequities, emphasizing the need for policy interventions that address financial constraints, improve academic preparedness, and expand institutional support for underrepresented students.

Hear from our students

Divya

Nova AI Fundamentals

New York, USA

I used to think AI was just for engineers, but Nova showed me how AI intersects with business, law, and even social justice.

Jessica

Nova Research

New Jersey, USA

My mentor at Nova Research was more than just a guide—they were a true collaborator. Their expertise and encouragement pushed me to think deeper, work smarter, and grow as a researcher.

Raj

Nova AI Fundamentals

Texas, USA

I really liked it - I learned so much! I'm excited to do research next

Anna

Nova AI Fundamentals

California, USA

Maya was amazing - she knew a lot about AI and convinced me that electrical engineering was the path I wanted to explore next!

Keshav

Nova AI Fundamentals

California, USA

We learned really cool things - from coding to GenAI. I wanted to learn about AI do this was a great experience.

Priya

Nova AI Fundamentals

Arizona, USA

I'm glad I did something productive over break! I also liked my cohort

Cassie

Nova AI Fundamentals

New York, USA

AI is changing the world, and Nova helped me understand how I can be part of that change. Now, I want to explore AI in environmental science!

Richard

Nova AI Fundamentals

Phoenix, USA

Through Nova Research, I learned how to design experiments and interpret results in ways that actually matter. I’m proud of the skills I’ve developed to tackle real-world challenges.

Brianna

Nova AI Fundamentals

Illinois, USA

Learning AI at Nova helped me see how it connects with my passion for healthcare. I now understand how AI can be used for medical diagnostics and research.

Sia

Nova AI Fundamentals

Texas, USA

All the hands-on projects made learning computer science and AI fun and exciting

Elena

Nova Research

Texas, USA

I’ve always loved problem-solving, and AI opened up a whole new way to approach challenges.

Bella

Nova Research

Rhode Island, USA

My mentor went above and beyond, providing personalized feedback, thoughtful discussions, and invaluable career advice. Their passion for research was contagious.

Druv

Nova Patent

New York, USA

Despite not having a programming background, Nova Patent provided enough instruction, support, and an incredible team to help me succeed. I loved working on the app design and I felt that I was truly contributing to something meaningful.

Taylor

Nova Research

Arizona, USA

The mentorship at Nova Research is unmatched. My mentor took the time to challenge my ideas, refine my methodology, and help me develop as both a thinker and a scientist.

Grace

Nova Patent

Washington, USA

I never imagined I’d be working on an app that people might actually want and even pay for as a student. Thanks to my team and mentor, I learned how to refine my ideas and transform them into something truly impactful

Jess

Nova AI Fundamentals

Washington, USA

I thought I needed a strong programming background to understand AI, but Nova’s structured approach made it easy to learn, no matter my starting point.

Kate

Nova AI Fundamentals

Washington, USA

Learning AI at Nova helped me see connections to fields I never expected—like environmental science, policy, and social impact.

Other Nova testimonials

Explore Our Reviews

Student Stories and Outcomes

We regularly survey our alumni to track their progress and milestones. In our latest survey of 62 Nova alumni, we found that they have gone on to achieve remarkable accomplishments, including: