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 selective research fellowship that introduces intellectually curious students to the practices scholars use to investigate complex questions and develop original ideas.
Seminar-style research mentorship
Founding cohort: 3 to 4 students
Original research proposal
Young Scholars Research Studio is a selective mentorship program for intellectually curious students in later secondary or early undergraduate years who want to learn how real research works.
Led by Dr. Kaitlin Torphy Knake, a research trained scholar at Michigan State University in the College of Education and a former Institute of Education Sciences doctoral fellow in the economics of education, whose work spans social networks, big data, and computational social science, the program guides students through the process of transforming curiosity into rigorous research–developing a research question, designing a study, evaluating evidence, and presenting an original research proposal.
Students learn how scholars think, moving beyond school assignments toward genuine intellectual inquiry.
Students leave witha completed research proposal serving as the foundation to an academic portfolio and research agenda.
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
- experience engaging in rigorous thoughtful discussion and intellectual exchange
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.
Students who thrive in this environment tend to:
- enjoy thinking and discussing complex ideas
- be comfortable engaging in open-ended questions without immediate answers
- be interested in developing their own original ideas
- value depth of understanding overly simply completing assignments
This fellowship is particularly well-suited for students who:
- are interested in pursuing research opportunities in college with a faculty member
- are considering fields such as the social sciences, humanities, or interdisciplinary studies
- want to strengthen their ability to think, write, and communicate at a high academic level
Cohorts are intentionally restricted to allow for meaningful discussion and individualized mentorship. The founding cohort will be limited to three to four students, with future cohorts expanding up to six students.
This experience may serve as a strong foundation for future academic research, independent study, or laboratory work and is ideal for students who are genuinely interested in engaging seriously with ideas.
Program Structure
The fellowship is conducted as a small, discussion-based seminar designed to introduce students to the habits of mind that define academic research.
The structure is intentionally modeled on discussion-based seminars typical of selective college environments.
Students meet weekly in a cohort of three to four students for the founding summer session (with future cohorts expanding to up to six students). This intentionally small format allows for sustained discussion, individualized feedback, and close mentorship.
Students meet virtually once per week for a 90-minute seminar over a six week session.
Each session focuses on a core component of the research process, including:
- identifying meaningful research questions
- analyzing and interpreting academic arguments
- distinguishing strong evidence from weak claims
- developing a clear and defensible research approach
Over the course of the program, each student develops an original research proposal, supported by iterative feedback and discussion.
The fellowship culminates in a research colloquium, where students present their work to the cohort and invited guests (including parents or educators).
About the Director
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.
Her creative approaches to research reach from theory to application using big data and causal analysis. See sample papers below.
Dr. Torphy Knake has worked in education since 2006. She began her career as a Teach for America corps member and Chicago Public Schools teacher, and she remains deeply committed to working with students and supporting their intellectual development.
She founded Young Scholars Research Studio to introduce intellectually curious students to the habits of mind that drive real discovery and to create a space where students can engage seriously with ideas at an early stage in their academic lives.
She regularly works with high school students and is deeply committed to helping young scholars develop independent thinking and the confidence to engage thoughtfully in an increasingly AI-driven world.
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.
School counselors and parents are encouraged to reach out with questions or student recommendations.