Inside KEYS 2026: Building Arizona's next generation research workforce
Through the BIO5 Institute's KEYS Research Internship, high school students don't spend the summer observing science—they become part of it. Read seven of their stories.
During seven immersive weeks, interns from across Arizona worked alongside University of Arizona researchers to contribute to projects tackling some of today's biggest scientific questions. Their projects spanned food safety, cancer biology, artificial intelligence, genetics, quantum physics and more.
Along the way, they learned new laboratory techniques, analyzed data, asked difficult questions and discovered that research is rarely about finding the right answer the first time. Instead, it's a process built on curiosity, collaboration and persistence.
Meet seven members of the 2026 KEYS class whose summer experiences show how meaningful mentorship and hands-on research are helping prepare Arizona's next generation of scientists.
As KEYS celebrates its 20th anniversary, these seven stories highlight the program's enduring mission: preparing Arizona's next generation research workforce through meaningful mentorship and hands-on opportunities to contribute to scientific discovery.
Olivia Allen | Sadhana Ravishankar Lab | Food Safety
How a KEYS intern from Yuma joined University of Arizona researchers working to reduce foodborne illness.
Sadah Wise | Alexander McGhee Lab | Biomedical Engineering
How a KEYS intern from Nogales joined University of Arizona researchers using 3D bioprinting to improve cancer research.
Hunter Tallsalt | Pascale Charest Lab | Cell Biology
How a KEYS intern from the Navajo Nation joined University of Arizona researchers studying the signals that help cells heal—and sometimes spread cancer.
David Jones & Aadhya Kondapuram | Michael F. Brown Lab | Biochemistry
How two KEYS interns helped University of Arizona researchers answer one scientific question from two different directions.
Kasyap Avancha | Katharina Schimmel Lab | Genetics
How a KEYS intern from Phoenix joined University of Arizona researchers studying a rare genetic disorder.
Pablo Fernandez | Haiquan Li Lab | Artificial Intelligence
How a KEYS intern from Nogales joined University of Arizona researchers using artificial intelligence to uncover patterns in financial data.
Shamel Waheed | Pooja Siwach Lab | Physics
How a KEYS intern from Phoenix joined University of Arizona researchers using quantum computing to study exploding stars.