For most high school students, spending four weeks of summer break in a college laboratory might not sound like a dream vacation. But for Britton-Hecla student Carter Chapin, the opportunity to conduct medical research alongside university professors and doctoral students only confirmed that healthcare is where he wants to spend his future.
Chapin, who is the son of Joyce and Chad Chapin and will be a senior at Britton-Hecla High School this fall, was one of just 50 students accepted into the 2026 North Dakota Governor’s School, a prestigious academic residential program held at North Dakota State University. Even more selective, Chapin was one of only five students chosen for the program’s Health Science pathway, sponsored by Essentia Health.
The state-legislated program brings together North Dakota’s top high school students every other summer for four weeks of intensive study in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health sciences. Chapin’s journey began during his sophomore year while taking a psychology college course through NDSU, when a professor encouraged him to apply.
“I applied in January, and then I learned I got accepted in March,” Chapin said, who was eligible for the program as he lives right over the border in North Dakota.
Although honored by the opportunity, he admitted he wasn’t immediately convinced.
“I was hesitant,” he said. “I didn’t want to leave for four weeks. That’s a big commitment, and I like staying around here working at the hospital. But I don’t regret it.”
Each morning, Chapin attended health science courses taught by physicians, nurses, researchers and healthcare administrators. Students completed patient case studies, practiced clinical decision-making and even learned hands-on skills, including proper suturing techniques.
Afternoons were spent conducting pharmaceutical sciences research under the guidance of Dr. Jagdish Singh and his research team. His work focused on preparing and evaluating liposomal nanoparticles for gene delivery research related to Alzheimer’s disease.
“The professors gave us an overview, and then you went and made your own liposomes and cells,” Chapin said. “You had to be independent. I realized I could have flopped, but I succeeded.”
The hands-on experience pushed him outside his comfort zone.
“I loved getting thrown into it and having to figure it out,” he said. “I’m a planner, but it was a good experience.”
Chapin also worked alongside doctoral students and international scholars, including researchers from Thailand, and said learning from people with different backgrounds broadened his perspective. He also toured Sanford Research and Sanford Imagenetics, where students learned about advances in genetic medicine and precision healthcare.
Living on the NDSU campus gave Chapin a taste of college life while allowing him to build friendships with students who shared his passion for science and healthcare.
“The hardest part was having confidence in myself,” he said. “Most of the students are from bigger schools like Fargo or Bismarck, but this showed me I’m just as capable as people from those schools.”
Growing up in a rural community, he believes, has actually prepared him well.
“Small-town values give you an advantage,” Chapin said. “We have a good work ethic here. Growing up in Britton taught me kindness, patience and caring for others. Those are things that really matter in healthcare.”
The experience strengthened his plans to pursue advanced nursing after graduation and has him considering North Dakota State University.
“Governor’s School confirmed what I was already thinking about doing,” he said. “It gave me an even greater passion to continue my education. It seems like a big mountain at first, but now I know the goal is attainable.”
As he prepares for his senior year, Chapin encourages other rural students to pursue opportunities that may seem intimidating.
“Have confidence in what you’re doing,” he said. “Don’t waver. You are capable, no matter where you come from.”
