Students gain firsthand experience in a professional biotechnology lab, working alongside scientists researching diseases like Parkinson's, and visiting biotech incubators in San Diego.
This immersive two-week Biotechnology program at UC San Diego offers high school students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional biotechnology lab. Students will work alongside scientists, including Dr. Vicki Nienaber-Meadows, who has extensive experience in drug discovery and neurodegenerative disease research. The curriculum focuses on foundational concepts in molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical research. Participants will learn and apply essential laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, pipetting, and bacterial transformation. The program also delves into the process of drug discovery, from molecule design and compound creation to in vitro biological activity testing, including growing proteins in E. coli and trypsin purification. Students will explore how biotech innovations address complex health challenges and will have the chance to visit local biotech incubators and hear from industry professionals. The program culminates in a scientific poster session where students present their findings, simulating a real-world biotech professional experience.
A typical day includes an academic course from 9am to 12pm, followed by a recreational activity or academic excursion at 1:30pm, and a college readiness workshop or 'True You' session at 3:00pm.
This program is ideal for high school students passionate about medicine, science, or biotech innovation, especially those interested in developing life-saving treatments and gaining real-world lab exposure.
University of California San Diego
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