Lindbergh High School seniors Asher Harris and Brett Kim became STARS research scholars, after graduating from the University of Missouri-St. Louis Students and Teachers as Research Scientists program.

More than 90 of the area’s best and brightest high school students graduated from the program, following six weeks of intensive science research alongside leading local scientist mentors.

Asher worked alongside Peter Gaspar of Washington University, and his scholar research paper was titled “Synthesis of a Phosphatropylium Ion.”

Brett worked with Sergey Koroley of St. Louis University, and his paper was titled “Function of Human PALB2 DNA Binding Mechanisms for DNA Repair.”

“STARS equips these students with the confidence, content and experience to pursue science degrees and become leading STEM scientists in their chosen fields,” Kenneth Mares, program director, stated in a news release.

The annual summer program is in its 29th year and has graduated its 2,100th student.