Partners in Science - Liberty Science Center

Application
Summer 2012
Partners in Science
Scientists Mentoring Students
Participate in real-life scientific research!
Ruben Rosario
Associate Director, Lab-Based Programs
Liberty Science Center
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Tel: 201.253.1533
Fax: 201.451.6383
E-mail: rrosario@lsc.org
Application Deadline: March 16, 2012
Support provided by Drs. Erica and Marc Urquhart, Johnson and
Johnson Family of Companies, NASA New Jersey Space Grant
Consortium, Northeastern Chemical Association, The Bodman
Foundation, The Provident Bank Foundation.

Partners in Science Program
Scientist Mentoring Students
Application Requirements
The following items are required to apply
to the 2012 Partners in Science Program:
Completed application
The applicant’s most current
academic transcript (as of due
date);
Two letters of recommendation from
science or math teachers (see
enclosed recommendation forms);
Responses to brief questions and
essay (see application).
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the
Partners in Science program, a student
must:
Return a completed application by
March 16, 2012;;
Complete 10 th or 11 th grade by June
2012;
Have a keen interest in science and
technology;
Possess a maturity level appropriate
for a professional lab environment.
Application Deadline
March 16, 2012
All application materials must be postmarked
on or before March 16, 2012.
Teacher recommendations and academic
transcripts may be submitted separately,
provided they are also postmarked on or
before March 16, 2012.
Program Overview
Now in its 26 th year, Liberty Science
Center’s Partners in Science program takes
students beyond textbooks and schoolbased
labs by immersing them in authentic
scientific research conducted by
professional scientists.
June 28, 2012 – August 23, 2012
What is Partners in Science?
An intensive, eight-week summer
experience for high school juniors and
seniors, the program pairs students with
mentors in science, health and technical
fields and challenges them to participate in
ongoing research and independent projects.
Through Partners in Science, students are
exposed to current questions driving
scientific discovery in real laboratory
settings. Additionally, they develop a
network of advisors and lifelong connections
that may help them identify and focus their
career goals. Those accepted to Partners in
Science receive a $1000 stipend.
What subject can I research?
Opportunities vary from year to year, and
available research options are not limited to
specific areas. Students have studied such
topics as:
Food Science
Environmental Science
Microbiology
Medicine and Health
Computer Science
Material Science
Mathematics
Ecology
Physics
Genetics
Chemistry
Engineering
Biology
Astronomy
What are the expectations of students?
The student is expected to:
Demonstrate a strong interest in science
and technology, be active in school and
possess the appropriate maturity to
work in a professional research
environment.
Commit to participating 40 hours a week
for eight weeks (July 2 – August 21) and
be able to get to and from the research
facility.
Attend Partners in Science orientation at
Liberty Science Center June 28 and
June 29, 2012.
Attend symposiums (July 18, August 3,
and August 15) to gain presentation,
technical writing and research skills.
Present work to staff, peers, mentors,
teachers and parents during the final
symposium on August 23, 2012.

Partners in Science Program
Scientists Mentoring Students
What will I do in Partners in Science?
Student’s applications must be submitted by
March 16, 2012. All students who submit
their completed application will be
interviewed at Liberty Science Center.
Interviews will take place on April 5, April 6,
April 7, April 10, and April 14. Preliminary
acceptance into the program is based on
both the written application and the personal
interview. Selected students will be
assigned to an internship based on their
interests, skills and geographical location.
Students will then meet with their
prospective scientist-mentor to ensure
compatibility. Once the mentor agrees to
accept the student, final acceptance letters
will be mailed. Decisions will be finalized
by May 25, 2012.
On June 28 and June 29, all accepted
students must attend an orientation at
Liberty Science Center to promote
teamwork, refine lab skills and familiarize
the students with the program. At this time,
students will have an opportunity to meet
and interact with fellow program participants.
Between July 2 and August 21, students
will:
Work five days (35-40 hours/week) at
their assigned research sites, under the
supervision of the mentors and
professional research staff. Each
student will engage in new research,
assist in ongoing research, or verify
work already completed.
Attend instructional sessions designed
to enhance their career and
presentation skills. Workshops focus on
technical writing, effective oral
presentations and developing research
skills. In addition, students work on their
resume and learn how to use their
research experience to strengthen
college applications and enhance
science fair projects. Workshops will
take place on July 18, August 3 and
August 15 at Liberty Science Center.
June 28, 2012 – August 23, 2012
Write a scientific paper with which they
are involved, guided by scientistmentors
and Partners in Science staff.
Present their work to peers, family,
teachers and mentors during the final
symposium event on August 23, 2012.
2012 Program Timeline
March 16, 2012
Completed applications due from nominated
students
April 5, April 6, April 7, April 10, and
April 14
Interviews at Liberty Science Center
Week of April 23
Students notified on follow-up interview with
prospective mentors
April 30 – May 11
Students interview with prospective mentors
Week of May 21
Final acceptance letters mailed to students
June 28 and June 29
Mandatory orientation sessions at Liberty
Science Center
July 2 – August 21
Student research conducted at mentor’s facility
July 18, August 3, August 15
Workshops at Liberty Science Center
August 23
Final Symposium event
Dates are subject to change.
Admissions decisions are made without regards
to race, color, gender, ethnicity, national origin,
religion, creed or disability.

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
PARTNERS IN SCIENCE PROGRAM
STUDENT APPLICATION
(For Office Use)
Application #__________
Date Received ________
Please type or print all information. Deadline for all applications is March 16, 2012. Please
remember to include an official copy of your transcript.
Name ___________________________ __________________________________
Last
First
Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # (must be provided if accepted)
Home Address _________________________________________________________
Street
_____________________ ____________________ ____________________
City State Zip
Home Phone # ( )___________________ E-mail Address: ___________________
Ethnicity (Optional): ________________________ Sex: ________
Parent/Guardian’s Name
__________________________________________________________________
Address (if different from above):
__________________________________________________________________
Street
___________________ __________________ ____________________
City State Zip
Home Phone # ( )________________ Daytime Phone # ( ) ________________
Relationship to Student________________________________________________
Parental/Student Commitment (Required)
We, the undersigned, certify that the information on this form is true. We understand that if the student
whose name appears on this application is granted admission to the Partners in Science program, he/she
will agree to abide by all program rules and fulfill all requirements. The student understands that if
accepted, he/she will be placed at an internship at the discretion of Partners in Science staff. Internship
placement is based on the student’s geographic location and academic interests as indicated in this
application and during the interview process; requests for internships in specific subject areas or at
specific sites cannot be guaranteed.
__________________________________________________________________
Signature of Student
Date
__________________________________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date
Ruben Rosario Partners in Science Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Applicant’s High School Information
Name of High School _________________________________________________
School Address _____________________________________________________
City ________________________ State ____________ Zip Code ___________
School Telephone: (
) __________________
Year of Graduation 20______
Current Grade ______________
Name of Advisor _____________________________________________________
Name of Principal ____________________________________________________
List names and telephone numbers of the teachers or community representatives who will be submitting
letters of recommendation.
1. _________________________________________________________________
Name Telephone #
2. _________________________________________________________________
Name Telephone #
Indicate which of the following courses you have taken
Course Semester/Year Hours/Week Lab Skills/Computer Applications/ Programming
Languages used
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Computers
Science
Research
Others: (Include math, science, and independent research projects)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Ruben Rosario Partners in Science Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Additional Information
1. Rank the following areas of research 1 through 7 according to your preference for research
placement (1 = highest preference).
_______ Chemistry
_______ Computer Science
_______ Genetics
_______ Ecology / Plant Biology
_______ Food Science
_______ Other (describe below)
_______ Physics and Engineering
_______ Medicine and Health
_______ Entomology/Zoology
_______ Environmental Science
_______ Ceramics/Material Science
_______ Mathematics
2. Are you willing and able to travel outside your borough or county? ______ Yes _____ No
Please indicate to which New Jersey counties you are willing/able to commute. Research
opportunities are mostly available in New Brunswick, Princeton, Newark, Hoboken, and Jersey
City. .
What means of transportation are you authorized to use? How far from home are you willing to travel for
your internship? Please consult with your parent or guardian before answering. Keep in mind that travel
limitations may limit your placement options.
Brief Questions
Please answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper. Please answer each question
concisely and in complete sentences.
1. Please elaborate on your top research field preferences. Why do you wish to learn more about
research in these fields?
2. List two qualities or character traits you think a scientist should have and provide an example on
how you possess those qualities.
3. Describe your qualifications for participation in the program. Include examples of any specific
experiences in science, hobbies and/or extracurricular activities that might relate to Partners in
Science and those activities that demonstrate your ability to learn independently, fulfill
responsibilities and work well with others.
4. Have you ever participated in a science and/or math research program before? If yes, please
describe the program(s) and/or research.
5. Indicate your strongest positive characteristics and your areas for improvement. Please explain
each.
6. As a future scientist, how would you communicate your ideas to the general public and get young
people to have a keen interest in the field?
7. Are you fully available from June 28, 2012 to August 23, 2012? If not, please explain.
8. Provide an example on how biology, chemistry and physics are related.
Ruben Rosario Partners in Science Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Essay Questions
Please write a 250-500 word essay about yourself that addresses the questions listed below. Type your
essay on a separate piece of paper and attach it to your application; make sure you put your name at the
top of the page.
All candidates must answer both questions.
1) Why are you a good candidate for Partners in Science? Why are you interested in the sciences?
How will this experience help you further your academic and career goals?
2) What is a big question or issue that the scientific community is currently facing? How do you
see yourself contributing to solving this issue currently? How do you see yourself contributing
to solving this issue in the future?
Ruben Rosario Partners in Science Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 07305

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
PARTNERS IN SCIENCE PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION FORM
STUDENT: After filling in your name and school, please give this form to a current or former math and/or
science teacher or research mentor to complete. You are responsible for ensuring that it is returned by the
deadline, March 16, 2012.
TEACHER OR MENTOR: Thank you for recommending the above student for Partners in Science. Your
prompt reply and candid evaluation of this individual’s ability to participate in this program is requested.
Please answer to the best of your knowledge. Return with completed application by March 16, 2012 to:
Ruben Rosario
Associate Director, Extended Programs
Liberty Science Center
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Applicant’s Name: _______________________________________
1. How long have you known the applicant? ___________________
In what capacity?
2. Please comment on the applicant’s demeanor in a group environment, e.g. on attitude, maturity,
cooperativeness and respect for property.
3. What adjectives would you use to describe the applicant’s strengths?
4. What do you think are the applicant’s areas for improvement?
5. In what ways will participation in the Partners in Science program will be beneficial to the applicant?
6. Additional comments, if any.
Name (Print) ______________________________ Signature ________________________
Title_______________________ School/Organization______________________________
Telephone # (
)_________________________ Date____________________________
Ruben Rosario Partners in Science Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 07305

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER
PARTNERS IN SCIENCE PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION FORM
STUDENT: After filling in your name and school, please give this form to a current or former math and/or
science teacher or research mentor to complete. You are responsible for ensuring that it is returned by the
deadline, March 16, 2012.
TEACHER OR MENTOR: Thank you for recommending the above student for Partners in Science. Your
prompt reply and candid evaluation of this individual’s ability to participate in this program is requested.
Please answer to the best of your knowledge. Return with completed application by March 16, 2012 to:
Ruben Rosario
Associate Director, Extended Programs
Liberty Science Center
Liberty State Park
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Applicant’s Name: _______________________________________
1. How long have you known the applicant? ___________________
In what capacity?
2. Please comment on the applicant’s demeanor in a group environment, e.g. on attitude, maturity,
cooperativeness and respect for property.
3. What adjectives would you use to describe the applicant’s strengths?
4. What do you think are the applicant’s areas for improvement?
5. In what ways will participation in the Partners in Science program will be beneficial to the applicant?
6. Additional comments, if any.
Name (Print) ______________________________ Signature ________________________
Title_______________________ School/Organization______________________________
Telephone # (
)_________________________ Date____________________________
Ruben Rosario Partners in Science Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 07305