SPARK offers a unique opportunity for high school students to gain paid, hands-on research experience in cutting-edge regenerative medicine labs at UC San Diego, coupled with clinical exposure and community engagement.
The UCSD SPARK (Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge) is an 8-week paid research internship designed for high school students in San Diego. The program offers hands-on experience in stem cell and regenerative medicine research within active UC San Diego labs. Participants will work closely with supportive research faculty and engage in a focused educational curriculum covering fundamental concepts of regenerative medicine, including its intersection with ethics, health equity, and public health. Beyond lab work, students will have opportunities to shadow physicians in clinics to understand patient challenges and participate in community outreach by teaching elementary school students about regenerative medicine. The program aims to excite students about research and professionally prepare them for careers in regenerative medicine, with over 95% of past participants pursuing higher education in STEM fields.
A typical day involves working in regenerative medicine research labs, shadowing doctors in clinics, and participating in educational and professional development activities led by medical and undergraduate students from UC San Diego.
This program is best for high school students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds in San Diego who are interested in an immersive, hands-on research experience in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology.
UC San Diego
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