Young Scholars
Research Studio
In a world where artificial intelligence can generate answers instantly, the ability to ask meaningful questions and evaluate evidence becomes even more important.
Young Scholars Research Studio is a small research fellowship that introduces intellectually curious students to the practices scholars use to investigate complex questions and develop new ideas.
Seminar-style research mentorship
Founding cohort: 3 to 4 students
Original research proposal
What Students Learn
Students in the Young Scholars Research Studio learn how scholars investigate complex questions and develop original ideas.
- transform curiosity into research questions
- analyze academic literature
- understand research methods
- design an original research study
- present ideas in a research colloquium
Intellectual Outcomes
Students who complete the fellowship begin developing the habits of mind that define strong researchers and thinkers.
By the end of the program, students will have practiced how to:
- identify meaningful questions worth investigating
- read and interpret academic arguments
- distinguish strong evidence from weak claims
- design a research approach to explore a question
- communicate ideas clearly and defend them in discussion
The intellectual habits students develop extend far beyond a single research project and prepare them for deeper academic work in college and to navigate an AI-shaped world.
Who the Fellowship is For
The fellowship is designed for intellectually curious high school students who enjoy asking questions about the world and want to explore ideas beyond traditional coursework.
Cohorts are intentionally limited to six students to allow sustained discussion and close mentorship.
Program Structure
The fellowship meets in a small weekly seminar where students explore research questions, discuss academic work, and develop their own research proposal.
Students meet once per week for a 90-minute seminar over a ten week session.
The program culminates in a research colloquium where students present their ideas.
The inaugural pilot cohort will run as a six-week summer seminar with a cohort of three to four students meeting once per week for a 90-minute session.
The program culminates in a research colloquium where students present their ideas.
About the Instructor
Dr. Kaitlin Torphy Knake is a researcher trained in education policy, social networks, and the economics of education whose work examines how knowledge and influence move through professional and digital communities.
Her research has been supported by the National Science Foundation and DARPA.
She founded Young Scholars Research Studio to introduce intellectually curious students to the habits of mind that drive real discovery.
Apply for the Founding Cohort
The founding summer cohort is intentionally limited to three to four students.
Future fellowship cohorts will include up to six students.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort is full.