Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Secondary School Field Research Program

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) is a summer science research program for high school students at Columbia University's Lamont campus in Palisades, New York. Each summer, high school students, undergraduates and science teachers spend six weeks doing field and laboratory research together. The main field site is Piermont Marsh in New York, which also serves as an outdoor classroom. Students work in research teams with one or two undergraduate mentors, a teacher contact and a Lamont researcher who provides science support. The summer starts with reading and discussing a scientific journal article about the marsh. Teams then refine their sampling methods, collect samples and run lab experiments. Past topics include nutrient cycling, natural carbon storage, managing invasive plants without chemicals, and batteries powered by soil bacteria. At the end of the summer, each team presents a research poster at a symposium. Supporting coursework is offered during the school year. The program is not residential, and housing is not provided.

Applicants must be enrolled in high school or college and be at least 16 years old when the program starts. Because the program is not residential, students need to commute to the Lamont campus in Palisades, NY. Applications for the 2026 program closed on March 2, 2026.