John S. Toll Science & Mathematics Program

Apprentices

Apprentices are first-year students admitted into the program during the admission process based on their interest in research, GPA, and SAT scores. Once at Washington College, Apprentices are invited to participate in special events that highlight research—including presentations by research scientists, research shadowing, and meetings with researchers. Other events highlight internship opportunities at Washington College and federal laboratories and present strategies to improve the chances of securing internships. Apprentices are encouraged to assist fellows and faculty in their research during the academic year to obtain proficiencies that will increase the likelihood of being selected to collaborate with faculty engaged in research during the summer. 

Fellows

Students selected to collaborate on research with Washington College faculty through the JSTF program are given Fellows status. Research can happen over the summer or during the semester. Students interested in working with faculty on research projects should contact the faculty member they want to work with. Fellows can mentor Toll Apprentices and attend program events geared toward Apprentices. Fellows must maintain full-time status at Washington College, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, and abide by the Washington College Honor Code in pursuit of all endeavors, academic and social. 

Through the program, Fellows learn how to be effective researchers, designing experiments, making decisions, and working with faculty toward the same goal. Fellows work with their faculty mentors to determine the nature of the research, and the JST Program provides a stipend and supply budget for the collaborative research. These collaborations often lead to publication in professional journals and appearances at regional and national conferences. Fellows who have participated in the summer research program and will be presenting the outcome of their project(s) at a professional conference can apply to the Louise and Rodney Layton Fund to offset the costs associated with registration or travel expenses.

About John S. Toll

The John S. Toll Fellows Program is a research-focused community that commemorates Washington College’s 25th president, John Toll, who served from 1995-2004. His support strengthened the foundation of the natural sciences both intellectually and financially at the Collegeat the college, both intellectually and financially. This program is named in his honor to recognize the commitment and enthusiasm for academia and research that he shared with the Washington College community.