LLE Celebrates its 36th Annual Summer High School Research Program
The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) recently completed its thirty-sixth Summer High School Research Program, an eight-week experience that brings Rochester-area rising seniors into the lab for full-time, hands-on research. This year, 16 students from 11 high schools were selected from a competitive pool of 74 applicants. Each student was paired with a mentor to conduct original research and to experience first-hand what it means to work as a scientist or engineer.
Projects spanned a wide range of disciplines, including diagnostic development; generation of data for hydrodynamics simulations; implosion simulation and machine-learning implosion analysis; computer modeling of experiments planned for the National Ignition Facility and the proposed NSF OPAL laser system; physical and computational chemistry; optical microscopy; optics fabrication and cleaning; and debris minimization in the target chamber. One project even adapted techniques used at LLE to model crystal formation in white dwarf stars.
The program provides high-level technical training while also helping students define career paths and prepare for scholarships, internships, and future study. Their summer culminated in a half-day symposium where students presented their findings in 10-minute talks before staff, family members, and peers. Students received mentorship from scientists and engineers and built connections with undergraduate and graduate researchers. One program highlight was the Undergraduate Panel, where eight students from LLE’s Undergraduate Education Program—two of them alumni of the High School Program—answered questions about applying to college, college life, and doing research as an undergraduate. Panelists represented a range of class years, majors, and institutions, including the University of Rochester.
Students often describe their experience at the lab as life changing. One student, Hailey, mentored by Brittany Hoffman and Russ Dent, reflected, “I was excited by the challenge of the program. My mentors had great confidence in me, and never before had I felt so capable when approaching tasks. It was amazing to learn about topics I likely would never have learned otherwise.” She left the program excited about new possibilities for her future.
The mentors guided students from initial research to final presentations, helping them develop the skills to communicate scientific findings to a broad audience. Sean, another participant, described his experience as transformative, sharing that his project “changed the trajectory” of what he plans to study in college. When asked why he chooses to mentor high school students, Staff Scientist Chad Forrest explained, “I enjoy mentoring high school students who exhibit intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to engaging with complex challenges. Their capacity to collaborate effectively with scientists on advanced research initiatives fosters a uniquely enriching experience for both the students and the broader research community.”
In addition to working with students, the program honors educators who inspire future scientists. Each year during the symposium, LLE presents the William D. Ryan Inspirational Teacher Award to an area high school teacher. This year’s recipient was Daniel Dalmat, a physics teacher from Honeoye Central School District who was nominated by former participant Chelsie Odenbach. Now pursuing a physics degree at SUNY Fredonia, Odenbach described Dalmat as a teacher who “makes science come alive” and credits him with shaping her academic path.
Including this year, 464 students have had the privilege of participating in the High School Program. LLE celebrates the achievements of this year’s 16 students and looks forward to welcoming the 2026 cohort in July. Planning is already underway, with applications opening in early February and closing in the middle of March. Current high school juniors in the Greater Rochester area with an interest in STEM are encouraged to apply.
To learn more about the LLE’s Summer High School Research Program, please visit our website!
