Young Scientists Program
The Young Scientists Program (YSP) offers ocean-loving high school students the opportunity to explore their passion for science by conducting hands-on research projects in conjunction with Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Aquatic Nursery. Aquarium staff mentor students through scientific investigations on local marine topics with an emphasis on conservation and aquarium science.
Students spend nine months developing a project, learning safe lab practices, and conducting their research before presenting at our annual Young Scientists Symposium. This symposium has served as a celebration event for our students to share their projects with program supporters and the greater community. After this nine-month journey, participants will have learned how to design, propose, experiment, analyze, and share scientific research. Throughout the program, students will be led by a team of CMA staff, helping them every step of the way. At its most fundamental level, this program hones a Young Scientists communication skills and understanding through this scientific journey. At a higher level, these programs offer our members and visitors an opportunity to learn about the important research and conservation conducted at the Aquarium.
If you have any questions regarding the Young Scientists Program, please contact: youngscientists@cmaqua.org
2024-2025 Young Scientists Symposium
To learn more about the awesome work this year’s group of Young Scientists have been working on during their time in the program, please be sure to join us at our annual Young Scientists Poster Symposium! This event showcases each participating student’s research poster reflecting the incredible work conducted as part of their project over the last 10 months during their time in YSP. This year we had students conducting research projects within the Aquarium’s Aquatic Nursery, and throughout the surrounding Cabrillo Beach Coastal park. Our students dove into topics covering species diversity, moon jelly development and reproduction, microbiology, octopus behavior, impacts of climate change and marine ecosystem pollution, and so much more!
Applying for the 2025 Young Scientists Program
Thank you for your interest in Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Young Scientists Program. At this time, our 2025-2026 program is officially underway and all available spots are accounted for. Please join us on Sunday March 1st, 2026 for our next Young Scientists Symposium, culminating all of our current researchers’ hard work and experimentation.
If interested in taking part in the next round of the Young Scientists Program, please check back in the Fall to complete our interest form and to receive updates on the 2026 Application Process and Program Guidelines. Applications for the 2026-2027 Young Scientists Program will be opening in Winter 2026. We hope to work with you in the future!