International Research Institute of North Carolina (IRI-NC) — Student Research Mentorship

Inspiring high school and early college students to create meaningful research, work with top US professors, and advance the boundaries of knowledge by publishing their discoveries.

Experience the Difference

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At IRI, you don't just learn. You create meaningful research with top Professors from top US and Canadian Universities, grow with their expert guidance, and advance the boundaries of knowledge by publishing your research.

The International Research Institute of North Carolina (IRI-NC — also written IRI or irinc) is based in North Carolina and offers remote research mentorship pairing high school and early-college students with PhD faculty mentors to produce peer-reviewed, publishable STEM work.

Guided by mentors who care

Learn alongside PhD faculty and dedicated research mentors who help you grow—from your first question to your finished work.

Research you can trust

Every program is built with care for rigor and integrity, so your experience feels meaningful, credible, and lasting.

A chance to publish

Get the opportunity to publish your research in peer-reviewed, impact-factor-rated journal publication and leave a mark in the field of STEM.

ExpertGuidance

You'll collaborate one-on-one with esteemed research professors—real experts in their fields, not just graduate students or PhD candidates, to get personalized guidance from research to publication.

Principal Investigators

Dr. Robert Malkin, PhDPrincipal Investigator

Dr. Robert Malkin, PhD

PhD in Electrical Engineering from Duke University. Professor of the Practice of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health, Emeritus at Duke.

Biomedical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
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You

You

Your Principal
Investigator

Your Principal Investigator
Your Research Mentor

Your Research Mentor

Two Mentors

to help you succeed

Every student is supported with more than just our top professors. You'll also receive hands-on support from a second dedicated Research Mentor — a master's or PhD student, not an undergraduate. You'll have a team to help you succeed.

Student publications

Your work, your legacy.

You'll have the chance to transform your research into peer-reviewed, impact-factor-rated journal publications — leaving a lasting mark.

Ryan Verma

USA

Ryan Verma

Introduction to Research Literature (Individual)

Paper: Comparing the Relative Efficacy of Generalized Estimating Equations, Latent Growth Curve Modeling, and Area Under the Curve with a Repeated Measures Discrete Ordinal Outcome Variable

Comparing the Relative Efficacy of Generalized Estimating Equations, Latent Growth Curve Modeling, and Area Under the Curve with a Repeated Measures Discrete Ordinal Outcome Variable

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IRI-lines

Research Matters

Here's why:

Boosts your problem-solving skills

Boosts your problem-solving skills

Helps you become an expert

Helps you become an expert

Encourages your innovation and creativity

Encourages your innovation and creativity

Strengthens your academic and professional profile

Strengthens your academic and professional profile

Explore Our

Programs

Whether you're just starting out or ready for in-depth research, our programs are designed to fit your needs. You can choose from hands on short-term to long-term programs where you can grow your skills, work with experts, and make a real impact.

Introduction to Research Programs

Introduction to Research Programs

Research Assistant Programs

Research Assistant Programs

Find Your Passion Program

Find Your Passion Program

Not sure which program is best for you?

We'll help you find out.

How it Works

Our streamlined application process is designed to get you started on your research journey quickly.

1
Fill out the online form

Fill out the online form

2
Receive the link to plan your interview

Receive the link to plan your interview

3
Interview with Operations Manager

Interview with Operations Manager

4
Interview with Faculty (if needed)

Interview with Faculty (if needed)

5
Get your Acceptance Letter

Get your Acceptance Letter

6
Start your program!

Start your program!

Student stories

Hear from our students

Real experiences from IRI students — watch their stories below.

IRI Student Testimonial

Pranavi Kuntrapakam

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What our Students say about IRI

Honest reflections from students who completed an IRI program — what stood out, what they learned, and how they describe the experience in one word.

IRI in one word

Fulfilling

Sanjana · Age 16

Research Assistant Program

I didn't know if I could actually publish a paper when I first joined. It's amazing to see how this has turned out. I loved working with Dr. Malkin. He was more than a mentor to me. It's beyond imaginable to be able to work with him and get support from him. I want to have that same community feeling in my Uni as I have here. Everyone has been incredibly supportive. There is so much work behind the scene

IRI in one word

Productive

Nic · Age 17

Introduction to Research Literature

It was a really good experience. It's difficult to find this kind of opportunity elsewhere. It's a new and valuable experience for me to work with a professor and a mentor. Research has proven to be even more enjoyable and interesting than I initially thought.

IRI in one word

Eye-Opening

Ariana · Age 14

Introduction to Research Literature

It was an incredibly educational program, better than anything I have experienced in school. The program was distinct and unique. I must emphasize the significant role the Research Mentor played throughout the process, as her guidance and support were instrumental to my success. Overall, it was a great learning opportunity that exceeded my expectations.

IRI in one word

Challenging

Jasmine · Age 16

Research Assistant Program

I enjoyed my time with IRI. I gained lots of knowledge, and listening to other presentations was really useful. It was interesting to get articles for the PI, and I got to know many people in the lab. They all gave me super helpful feedback. Now, I find myself thinking about questions regarding whatever I hear, and I have become more critical in my thinking.
IRI-lines

Ready to begin
your research journey?

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International Research Institute of North Carolina

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