From Curiosity to Contribution: a Student’s Guide to Research

What if your questions could change the world?From Curiosity to Contribution is a hands-on guide for high school students who want to go beyond the classroom and discover how to launch their own research projects. No lab coat or Ivy League connection required!Written by a student who navigated the research world without a roadmap, this guide offers clear, step-by-step advice on how to come up with great ideas, find mentors, design a project, and share your work with confidence. If your passions are in science, technology, engineering, or medicine, this book will prepare you to embark on an innovative research journey.Inside, you’ll learn how to:Find a powerful idea that makes an impactFind mentors or research partners even if you don’t have connectionsDesign a meaningful project using the SMART frameworkCollect and analyze dataWrite, present, and publish your findingsThis guide empowers students from all backgrounds to become knowledge creators. With relatable stories, accessible advice, and email scripts, it breaks down the invisible barriers that keep many teens from engaging in meaningful research.Whether you’re preparing for a science fair, laying the groundwork for your future career, or just fueled by curiosity, From Curiosity to Contribution gives you the tools and confidence to launch your research journey and make your voice count.About the Author:Clinton Brenner is a student at Huron High School and the founder of Research Innovators, a peer-led initiative supporting student-driven exploration. Passionate about science, equity, and innovation, he wrote this book to help others break into research and discover their potential. His goal is to open doors to science for all students, regardless of background or zip code, by removing hidden barriers and making the research process more accessible, inclusive, and empowering.