The Hauptman-Woodward Institute's high school program is a unique learning experience that affords area high school students the opportunity to study evolution and bioinformatics in the laboratory of H. A. Hauptman Distinguished Scientist, Dr. William L. Duax.

HWI's high school program originated from a program created at the City Honors School of Buffalo to support talented young people who are interested in medical research.  Although the first students were from City Honors, the popular program has been expanded to include students from other schools. In the summer of 2009, 25 students from 12 high schools participated.

Scheduling is tailored to the needs of the individual students. Students who are accepted into the program can work on Fridays, after school, or during part of their summer vacations.

In 2008, Dr. Duax's students began an in-depth study of a soil-dwelling bacterium with extremely unusual DNA. This bacterium is a living relic that may hold a key to understanding the origin and evolution of the present genetic code. If you are a Buffalo-area high school student, and you would like to join the team working on this exciting project, contact Dr. Duax for more information at duax@hwi.buffalo.edu.