A passion for pursing research can start anywhere: a lesson in a classroom, a chance observation, the simple act of asking “why?”
For Mae Rydingsward, a critical step was participating in Van Andel Institute’s High School Graduate Research Program, an eight-week paid fellowship that gives recent high school graduates the opportunity to learn and work in real laboratories.
“It was a really good experience,” Rydingsward said. “I was a little nervous at first, but our mentor did a great job of explaining and teaching. I asked a lot of questions that led to moments of realization and connecting the dots.”
Rydingsward was one of six recent high school graduates from the Grand Rapids area who participated in the inaugural 2025 summer program. She and another participant worked in the lab of Dr. Stephanie Grainger, a VAI assistant professor and expert in a cellular communication pathway that plays critical roles in health and diseases like cancer.
Although many research organizations have fellowship programs or internships for college undergraduates, few have similar programs for recent high school graduates.
“Giving young people opportunities to experience and explore science is so important,” Grainger said. “This program is an excellent way for high school graduates to get exposure to research and figure out if it’s something they’re interested in. The skills they develop will help them regardless of their eventual career path.”
Learn more about VAI’s High School Graduate Research Program ➔
From the beginning, Rydingsward was immersed in the day-to-day work of the lab under the mentorship of Lab Manager Jessica Ensing. Together, they explored how different parts of a particular protein can help or hinder communication between cells. Ensing also provided a deep dive into the fundamentals of working in research, from technical skills and best practices to critical thinking and the scientific method.
Outside of the lab, participants benefit from an array of professional development experiences, including workshops, tours of other local research facilities, Q&A sessions with undergraduate fellows and social activities. The experience culminates with a final project in which participants synthesize and present what they’ve learned.
After the 2025 program ended, Rydingsward applied for and was hired into a part-time laboratory aide position in the Grainger Lab, where she continues honing her research skills. She’s also pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, with a double major in biomedical sciences and studio art.
Her advice for upcoming high school graduates who are considering applying to the program?
“Just do it!” she said. “Working in the lab was a whole new world. This experience was so helpful and opened the doors to new opportunities.”
High School Graduate Research Program
- 2026 dates: June 1–July 31
- Eligibility: Recent Grand Rapids-area high school graduates; minimum 3.0 GPA (see full eligibility criteria ➔)
- Pay: $15/hour
- Time commitment: Typical hours will be Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a meal break
To learn more and apply, please visit vai.org/graduate-school/hs-program. For questions, please contact Outreach Specialist & Program Coordinator Christian Mittendorf, M.A., at [email protected] or 616.234.5022.