Route to Research

12. Continuing the Journey — My New Free Mentorship Program

This episode marks the start of something new. After a full season guiding students through every stage of research — from topic selection to publication — host Isha Jayakumar is launching a free mentorship program to help students begin their own research journeys. In Episode 12: Continuing the Journey — My New Free Mentorship Program, Isha shares the story behind the initiative, how it works, and how you can join. You’ll learn: • Why this program exists — and how it’s different from anything else out there • How Isha will personally mentor students through their first research experience • How to find and contact mentors, stay consistent, and build lasting skills • How to apply for the limited mentorship spots This is a free, one-on-one program designed for high school and early college students who are ready to take the next step in their research path — with real guidance and accountability. Application Link: Route to Research — Free Mentorship Program: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTmh7H22P2Y5K2PQ3rvnT_riufq7t7HHVN4EPl2ZcW_z4JCw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112896192000442254176

11. What’s Next? Internships, Research Programs, and Resumes

You’ve done the research. You’ve written the paper. You’ve presented it. Now it’s time to ask: what’s next? In Episode 11: What’s Next? Internships, Research Programs, and Resumes, host Isha Jayakumar shares how to turn your research experience into future opportunities — from finding internships and research programs to crafting a résumé that highlights your skills and impact. You’ll learn how to: • Understand the difference between internships and structured research programs • Find and apply to top opportunities for high school and early college students • Network with mentors and program coordinators • Build a research resume that stands out — even with limited experience With Isha Patkar, Teaching Assistant at The Wharton School, Research Assistant at UPenn, and Physician Relations & Programming Director for Penn KDSAP

10. From Published to Presented — Sharing Your Research with the World

You’ve done the research. You’ve written the paper. You’ve revised it again and again. Now what? In Episode 10: From Published to Presented — Sharing Your Research with the World, host Isha Jayakumar explores how to take your work beyond the page—from submitting to journals to presenting at competitions and conferences. You’ll learn how to: • Find the right journal and understand impact factor • Recognize why anything above 5 is a huge milestone for students • Identify top competitions and conferences for high school researchers • Understand what judges and reviewers look for • Prepare your research for publication or presentation Featuring insights from: - Aditya Patankar – Science Valley Research Institute intern and Global Thrombosis Forum member - Animesh Koratana – Stanford CS, Founder of PlayerZero, and Intel ISEF Grand Award Winner

9. The Power of Revisions

You’ve written your first draft—now it’s time to make it shine. In Episode 9: “The Power of Revisions”, host Isha Jayakumar dives into what separates a good research paper from a publishable one. From restructuring arguments to refining sources, this episode walks you through every step of the revision process: - How to revise for clarity, logic, and structure - What grammar and editing tools can (and can’t) do for you - How to strengthen citations and expand your source base - The right way to handle feedback like a researcher You’ll also hear from Mrs. Lacour, PhD student at the University of Georgia and one of Isha’s first research mentors, who shares her expert advice on how mentorship shapes stronger, more confident writing. 💡 Includes a free 5-Step Revision Checklist below! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RONXol2MeHQkGf8p800GXgGLe8xmrG3ACHPB6tqs150/edit?usp=sharing

8. Balancing School and Research: Finding Time Without Burning Out

Research can feel impossible when you’re already balancing AP classes, homework, clubs, and everything else on your plate. But the truth is—you don’t have to choose between school and research. In this episode of Route to Research, host Isha Jayakumar shares practical strategies for fitting research into a busy schedule, the classes that actually make you a stronger researcher, and the small habits that keep you consistent. You’ll also hear from two high school researchers who open up about how they managed the same challenges—without giving up their mental health or their passions.