Some researchers on campus do not have a degree or a high school diploma, and that's fine by the UA.

These researchers are participating in the seventh annual High School Biology Apprentice program, where high school students work hand in hand with University of Arizona scientists in biology laboratories.

The program enables high school juniors and seniors to learn science by integrating them into ongoing UA research, said Carol Bender, program director for the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Funding comes from the National Institutes of Health and the Flinn Foundation grants, Bender said.

Bender said students live on campus and are paid minimum wage for 40 hours a week of research work. She said they also attend Undergraduate Biology Research Program sponsored lectures and field trips.

"The program has been a great experience in laboratory research," said Megan O'Meara, who conducted research on cancer cells and will be a freshmen at the UA this fall. "It also gave me a chance to live on my own for a bit which will give me a head start in the fall for dorm life."

The 10 students in the program participate in research ranging from cancer research and neurobiology to citrus nutrition with a presentation at the end of their research to reveal their findings, Bender said.

"This program is beneficial because it eases the transition from high school to college, and the students are able to learn about the scientific process," Bender said. "The research work these students are involved in is comparable to undergraduate work."

Students are required to write a paper on their research, and they receive three credits towards their college requirements, Bender said.

"Having the students involved in research allows them to make an informed decision to continue in the field of science," Bender said.

O'Meara said, "By being in the program, I have made connections within the biology department, which will give me a head start in the undergraduate bioresearch program because I will have already had research experience."