01 / Explore
Find a question that’s yours.
Start with your interests and turn a broad topic into a focused, manageable research question. We consider what’s interesting, what’s feasible, and where you could contribute something.
Learn by doing your own research
A curious mind.
A question.
Your own research.
Online research mentoring in small groups for high school and undergraduate students, led by an experienced researcher with a PhD. Exchange ideas, get feedback, and learn from peers.
Explore something you care about. Develop research, critical-thinking, and communication skills. Create a project that can strengthen your university applications.
Group mentoring costs US$25 per student per hour, and the introductory call is free.
Choose a time that suits you
Big ideas start with a little curiosity.
The question
Why do some ideas
catch on?
The next step
Find evidence.
Look for patterns.
Make your argument.
Your question. Your thinking. Your work.
01 Small-group mentoring with peers
02 Online, wherever you are
03 Guided by an experienced researcher
The approach
From “I wonder”
to “here’s what I found.”
You bring the curiosity. CRT helps you build the structure, skills, and confidence to turn it into research. Think of it as a hands-on, interdisciplinary workshop where students explore different topics and learn from one another.
02 / Investigate
Learn to work with evidence.
Find and evaluate sources, choose an approach, and make sense of what you discover. Learn to use AI thoughtfully, check its output, and keep your own judgment at the center.
03 / Communicate
Make your thinking clear.
Build an argument, explain your findings, and develop a finished paper or presentation. Where appropriate, we can explore submissions to journals for high school students.
What could you explore?
Real questions.
Room to think.
A project starts with an interest, not a perfect proposal. Explore three possible starting points.
Example project · Education & earnings
Is a university degree still worth as much in Canada?
Use Canadian wage data to explore how the earnings advantage of a university degree has changed over time. Survey high school students about their expectations of future earnings with and without a degree, and compare those expectations with the data.
Example project · AI & education
How is AI impacting student learning? Evidence from a high school in Portland, Oregon
Use student surveys and interviews at one school to explore how students use AI, what they find helpful, and how they describe its influence on their learning.
Example project · Social media & gender
How are women and men portrayed in career advice videos on TikTok?
Analyze a sample of career advice videos to compare the jobs, ambitions, and definitions of success associated with women and men. Look for patterns and discuss what they suggest about gender stereotypes.
These are illustrative project ideas. Topics and methods are agreed together.
Guillermo Gallacher, PhDYour mentor
Meet your mentor
A researcher.
A teacher.
A curious person, too.
I’m Guillermo, an economist with a PhD from the University of Washington, Seattle. I currently work remotely as a research consultant for a UK-based firm and teach an online course in economics and AI. I’ve published peer-reviewed research and taught economics and statistics at universities in the US, Canada, and Argentina.
I’ve also guided high school students based in Japan, Switzerland, and the US through research paper projects online.
Through CRT, I help students experience research for themselves: asking better questions, thinking carefully about evidence, and learning to express their ideas.
Outside of research, I enjoy making music, running, and meditation. I used to sail competitively and worked as a sailing coach in Argentina and New Zealand.
Explore my academic backgroundStudent perspectives
Support that makes a difference.
“I really appreciated how clearly he explained difficult concepts and how approachable he was when students had questions.”
“This gave us valuable hands-on experience and helped us understand how economic research is actually conducted.”
Excerpts from former students’ recommendations about Guillermo’s university teaching. Source: Superprof.
For schools and parent associations
Help students get started with research.
A free introductory workshop exploring where research ideas come from, how students can turn them into projects, and how parents can support the process.
The workshop draws on ideas from Steven Johnson, Cal Newport, and others, alongside recent research on how AI affects learning.
Let’s talk about itLooking ahead · 2027
A summer for
following your curiosity.
CRT Summer School is an online research program for high school students during the summer break. Develop your own project, explore responsible AI use, and strengthen your research and communication skills, independently of school assignments and assessments.
Online summer school
Interested in taking part? Get in touch to ask about dates, fees, the schedule, and whether the program is a good fit.
Tell me moreA few practical questions
Before we begin.
Who is CRT for?
CRT supports high school and undergraduate students interested in independent research. Whether you’re looking for an extra challenge or a more engaging way to learn beyond traditional classes and exams, research offers a chance to explore your interests. The introductory conversation is a chance to discuss your stage, interests, and goals, and whether my expertise is a good match.
Do I need a research idea already?
No. You can arrive with a topic, a half-formed question, or simply an interest you would like to explore. Developing a realistic research question is part of the process.
How do sessions work?
The usual format is a small group of around five students meeting online for one-hour sessions, ideally twice a month. Students develop their own individual projects, present and discuss their progress in class, and conduct independent research between sessions. Guidance and feedback are provided during class, with the schedule tailored to students’ and families’ needs.
How long does a project take?
I recommend one academic year to work toward a polished paper, although shorter courses are also possible. The timeframe depends on the question, the scope of the project, and the time you can devote to it.
What does mentoring cost?
Group mentoring costs US$25 per student per hour. Families pay per class and can stop at any time. Individual support outside group sessions can be arranged separately at an agreed rate.
Do you offer workshops for schools and parents?
Yes. Get in touch to discuss a format that fits your school’s needs. I offer a free introductory workshop that explores where research ideas come from, how students can develop them into projects, and how parents can support the process.
Is one-on-one mentoring available?
Yes. Small-group mentoring is CRT’s main format, but one-on-one support is also an option.
Will you write the project for me?
No. Students develop their own projects and remain responsible for the content. In class, I review drafts, sources, and methods and ask students to explain their research decisions and conclusions. This helps me assess their understanding and identify anything that needs clarification or further checking. Mentoring is acknowledged in line with the intended publication’s requirements.
How do students use AI?
AI can be used as a learning and research tool, but students must understand and verify anything they use. We discuss its limitations, check references against original sources, and acknowledge AI assistance appropriately. AI output is not treated as evidence that a claim is correct or that work is original. Any use of AI must follow the intended publication’s requirements.
Is this separate from assessed schoolwork?
Yes. CRT focuses on independent extracurricular research, separate from assessed schoolwork, including IB assignments. It complements the school’s guidance, with assessed work remaining under the school’s supervision. Projects may be developed for submission to high school research journals or shared in other formats, such as blog posts.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. I treat students and families with care and discretion. You’re welcome to discuss any privacy needs before we begin. Any sharing of a student’s work online or submission for publication will be agreed in advance.
Can I read more about your approach?
Yes. The CRT blog explores research ideas, learning, and thoughtful use of AI. It’s a good way to get a feel for the approach before getting in touch.
Keep in touch