RAHI was founded at the request of the Alaska Federation of Natives in 1982 to prepare rural and Alaska Native high school students for academic excellence and college success. In 2007 RAHI-II’s Next Step began in order to give high school students in-depth knowledge of molecular biology and experience working in research labs. This is to help those students understand research and modern biology and to encourage them to major and graduate in the sciences.

RAHI Research (formerly known as RAHI II):

According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), most new medical knowledge and advances in the 21^st century will hinge on discoveries made in the biological sciences, including molecular biology. RAHI Research gives students the confidence and skills for undergraduate molecular biology research as high school juniors and seniors, rather than waiting for upper division college course offerings.

This early exposure makes the molecular biology more interesting and relevant by first offering students experiences in basic lab methods such as pipetting, dilutions and DNA extraction.     

They then work up to more advanced techniques such as electrophoresis, polymerase chain reactions and cloning-as they learn the necessary fundamentals of biochemistry and genetics. The environment is fast-paced and detail-oriented.

Students’ newfound knowledge and skills are used daily as they work alongside researchers in one of the many biology labs at UAF. Students become part of the lab team, all under the supervision of an experienced graduate student mentor. Students can earn up to 11 college credits during the 6 weeks.