Urban Barcode Research Program

The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) is a year-long DNA barcoding research mentorship run by the DNA Learning Center for New York City high school students. Participants study urban biodiversity by designing and carrying out their own research projects with guidance from a scientist mentor. About 36 students are accepted each cycle. Accepted students attend two weeks of required lab training at the DNA Learning Center's NYC site in Downtown Brooklyn in late August and early September, plus workshop sessions during the school year. Teams then complete at least 55 hours of research, which covers writing a proposal, collecting samples, isolating and amplifying DNA, and analyzing sequences. Projects end with poster presentations at a spring symposium; the 2026-27 symposium is planned for late May or early June 2027. Students who finish the 55 hours and present at the symposium receive a $500 stipend.

Applicants must be at least 13, live in New York City, and attend a New York City high school. Students submit an online application in the spring, and selected applicants are invited to a full-day in-person group interview in July, followed by a short Zoom interview. The 2026-27 application closed on May 26, 2026.