Bioinformatics is an emerging discipline, blending biology, computer science and data analysis. For high school students interested in research, coding and life sciences, doing bioinformatics projects and participating in bioinformatics competitions can be life-changing. Below, we outline 10 awesome opportunities - especially projects and competitions - for high schoolers that involve bioinformatics, and can serve to kickstart a powerful foundation for future STEM endeavors.
1. DNA Sequence Alignment
Location: Remote/At home
Program Dates: Flexible, self paced
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students with basic programming knowledge
Application Deadline: None
This beginner level bioinformatics project is a good fit for high school students interested in computational biology research. In this project, students will learn to handle sequence data by using algorithms such as Needleman-Wunsch or Smith-Waterman to align DNA sequences. They will apply alignment techniques in combination with programs such as Biopython. The students will leave the course with a better understanding of sequence homology and comparative genomics as well as a coding project that could be included in their portfolio.
2. Protein Sequence Analysis
Location: Remote/At home
Program Dates: Flexible, self paced
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students with basic programming and biology knowledge
Application Deadline: None
Protein sequence analysis teaches high school students the relationship between the amino acid sequences and their biological meaning. Sequences can be used in projects which may include predicting secondary structures, finding motifs, or comparing sequences using bioinformatics programs such as BLAST. Students learn about experimental protocols used to analyze protein sequences such as the Edman degradation and mass spectrometry. The overall experience deepens students’ understanding of the relationships between protein structure and function, as well as preparing students for future research experiences in molecular biology and bioinformatics research.
3. Genomic Data Visualization
Location: Remote/At home
Program Dates: Flexible, self paced
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students with basic coding skills
Application Deadline: None
Genomic data visualization projects give high school students the experience of representing and interpreting complex biological datasets. Using tools like UCSC Genome Browser, IGV, or R libraries (like GenVisR), students learn to generate graphically represented versions of genes, visualize read alignments from sequencing experiments of actual genomes, and take a look at genetic variants. For students interested in genomics and computational biology, these projects offer significant experience and skill development with visualization, manipulation, interpretation, and representation of biological data.
4. Phylogenetic Tree Construction
Location: Remote/At home
Program Dates: Flexible, self paced
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students with some biology and programming background
Application Deadline: None
Phylogenetic tree construction projects provide students with experience in evolutionary biology, and the computational techniques for inferring relationships among species. For example, students can use MEGA or use R packages (apex, phangorn) to align gene or protein sequences; concatenate data; and create trees using maximum likelihood or coalescence methods. Such phylogenetic tree construction projects provide students a deeper understanding of evolutionary theory, bioinformatics workflows, and data handling services. Collectively this experience prepares students for genetics and bioinformatics research, as well as biological science projects (science fairs).
5. GC Content Calculation
Location: Remote/At home
Program Dates: Flexible, self paced
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: None
GC content calculation is a classic bioinformatics project for secondary level students focusing on calculating the percent guanine and cytosine bases in DNA sequences. Students develop scripts to parse sequence files, and count nucleotides to calculate the GC content expressed as a percent. The project teaches about genomics, how to work with data, and how to act on a research question, making it suitable for beginning coding and biological researchers.
6. SNP Analysis
Location: Remote/At home
Program Dates: Flexible, self paced
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students with programming experience
Application Deadline: None
SNP analysis projects give high school students the opportunity to explore genetic variability while locating and analyzing single nucleotide polymorphisms in genomic data. Using RFLP-PCR, microarrays or next generation sequencing, students evaluate the extent of genetic differences that are linked to traits or diseases. The project required students to consider the need for accuracy, throughput, and cost efficiency in SNP detection, while enabling students to learn about human genetics and bioinformatics methods.
7. Gene Expression Data Analysis
Location: Remote/At home
Program Dates: Flexible, self paced
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: None
Gene expression data analysis projects show students how to analyze how genes are turned on and off under different conditions. With public datasets (i.e., GEO and GEO2R) and programs (i.e., StringDB and R or Python), students can then use statistical analyses and plots to look at gene regulation. These projects develop both computational and biological skills, preparing students for research competitions, science fairs, and any subsequent STEM coursework.
8. Functional Annotation of Genes
Location: Remote/At home
Program Dates: Flexible, self paced
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: None
Functional annotation projects include analyzing a DNA sequence to find genes and their functions using databases like NCBI and programs like BLAST. Students align their sequences, annotate the coding regions, and explore similarities and differences in the sequences including any SNPs. These functional annotation projects provide students with an understanding of genome structure and gene function and are able to utilize bioinformatics resources to help. These skills are essential for students interested in pursuing genomics in their research or preparing for science based competitions.
9. TJ BioCode Competition
Location: TJHSST, Alexandria, VA (in-person)
Program Dates: March 1, 10 AM – 5 PM EST
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Application Deadline: Check official site for updates
TJ BioCode, an annual bioinformatics competition held by the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Bioinformatics Society, allows students to participate in two ways. One is as a solo participant in either the algorithmic programming competition or the project based hackathon completing biology related coding problems and developing bioinformatics inspired programming. This event consists of workshops, guest speakers, and an awards ceremony with over $1,500 worth of prizes. The event has divisions for students of all levels, allows flexible teamwork, and teaches the students real world bioinformatics skills.
10. BioGENEius Challenge
Location: Regional and international (in-person)
Program Dates: Regional events throughout the year; finals at BIO International Convention
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students in the US and Canada
Application Deadline: Varies by region
The BioGENEius Challenge is an international competition for high school students. Students can present projects regionally and internationally. Finalists, from different competitions, will have an opportunity to meet industry experts, connect with student peers, and compete for scholarships and internships at different stages of the competition, whose categories are among the first and best opportunities for aspiring young researchers.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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