Why apply?

Advanced Learning Opportunities: In this workshop, students will explore a key challenge that many university genetics labs try to answer today: how do mutations in our DNA that we are born with, predispose us to human disease (and by extension, how might the medical field use that information to our health benefit?). Students therefore get exposure to problem solving in subjects beyond what is typically taught in a high school curriculum. We will walk through the basic steps of the scientific method, giving students solid preparation for STEM academic coursework in college, and experience on their resume that can help them get future positions in college. 

Exploration of Career Interests: Research experiences help students explore potential career paths and identify areas of interest within a specific discipline. High school students are often unaware of the many applications of computer science to biology and medicine; through this workshop, they may gain insight into careers they were previously unaware of. This workshop entails significant inter-disciplinary science (biology, computer science, medicine); there are many other emerging fields that are resulting from interactions between disparate fields. Students may get inspiration for creating new future career opportunities by mixing other fields together as well.

Mentorship and Networking: Through opportunities to work closely with university faculty during and after the workshop, students can gain valuable mentorship and builds connections that can be beneficial for future academic and career opportunities. 

Preparation for College Applications: Engaging in research activities is one way to set a college application apart from others, by demonstrating passion, initiative and enthusiasm for exploring different fields at an early stage. Upon successful completion of the workshop, students will receive a certificate of completion. Students who successfully complete all components of the workshop will be able to reach out to faculty to discuss the possibility of recommendation letters.

Future research and publication opportunities: Students interested in further pursuing deeper scientific research after the workshop concludes will have opportunities to discuss further contributions to faculty research that may lead to co-authorship or acknowledgments in academic publications, showcasing students' work to a broader audience.