Course Listing
Grade – 9th to 12th
Course Information
| Age | 15-18 |
| Format/ Schedule | Vacation / Summer |
| Location | Torrance, CA |
| 2023 Dates | June 19th – August 11th: Early Registration Deadline: March 1st. Final Registration Deadline: April 1st. |
| Duration | 8 Weeks |
| Times | 10.00am-5.00pm, Monday-Friday |
| Eligibility | Stem Cell Research is an advanced Ph.D-style training program, open to both residential and international students. It is suited to scientifically advanced students who are serious about pursuing a career in science or medicine and are able to cope with challenging learning environments. No prior laboratory experience is required to take this course. Applicants must have passed high-school Math, English and Biology or equivalent courses with a grade C or above. Students are required to arrange their own transportation to and from all components of the program. |
| Admission | Eligible students are accepted on a first-come-first-served rolling basis up to the posted deadline. To be considered for this program you must submit a complete application with the following documents: (1). A copy of your school transcript; (2) A personal statement addressing why you would like to participate in the stem cell research internship program, what you hope to gain as a research fellow, the strengths you will bring to the program and how the program will help you achieve your future career goals and (3) A letter of recommendation from a teacher – preferably your biology teacher. Eligible students are admitted to the program after completing an in-person interview with the program director and laboratory mentor. Additional questions? Click here to learn more about our general admissions policy or call us at 310-483-3651. |
Course Details
| Description | Stem Cell Research Internship is a rigorous, PhD-style training program for high school students who are serious about pursuing a career in science or medicine. This life-changing opportunity enables future scientists to kick-start their careers in laboratories that are transforming the future of medicine. The program takes place over eight-weeks, beginning with a 5-day industry-style training course called the " Stem Cell Boot Camp", designed specifically to prepare high school students for working in a professional research laboratory. Unique to our program, the "Boot Camp" provides introductory training in a variety of widely used bioscience techniques, including mammalian stem cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry and microscopy. After completing Boot Camp training, participating students join a biotech research laboratory where they take part in scientific research, guided by a professional scientist and laboratory mentor. The research experience is complemented by science education forums which explore scientific fields that are implemented outside of the laboratory such as science writing, bioethics, public policy and computational biology. These forums also include a scientific journal club, guest speakers from the stem cell community and a career development seminar where students gain valuable insight into bioscience careers from academic and industry scientists. The Stem Cell Research Internship ends on the final day with a colloquium and award ceremony. This memorable event enables graduating fellows to show case their research to friends, family and local scientists during a formal poster presentation. |
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| Curriculum | Stem Cell Boot Camp: Research Internship: Science Education Forums: Colloquium and Graduation: |
| Features | – College-level lectures |
Meg Feitelberg –
Our son, Jacob, did the stem cell program the summer before his senior year. He learned a tremendous amount about how to handle stem cells in the lab setting from Dr. Fox before he went to work in a lab at UCLA. Jacob worked with another researcher to build a 3D model of.a lung using cells. He attended lab meetings weekly and actively gave feedback on his protect. At the end, he presented his work and findings at a symposium. Very good experience for college. Doing this program influenced his decision to pursue biomedical engineering in college. He is now a freshman at Johns Hopkins University in BME and what he learned on this program has really helped.
Amogha Koka –
I participated in this program the summer before my senior year in high school. In addition to gaining extensive knowledge from my mentor and hands-on experience like never before, I also gained confidence to pursue my interest in a nurturing and motivating environment. I was able to understand the struggles of being a researcher and its concomitant joys.
As a current freshman at UCLA, I am eager to participate in stem cell research similar to my experience with Pathways, use the myriad terms I learned, and continue my exploration into this territory. Not only was this an eye-opener for me of what the life of a researcher is like, it also pushed me to pursue my interest in the life sciences at college and in the future as a career – Amogha Koka, 2017 Student
Ivy –
I attended the internship program as a rising senior and because of this program I made my mind to apply for biology major in my college application process. I can only say that this is a wonderful program! In eight weeks I learned real life lab techniques and got to work with my mentor at USC on a project relating to blood vessel development. I attended the weekly lab meetings and learned to organize my own lab notebook. The guest speakers who came during the forums also provided valuable advise. I was really nervous at first, not only because I have very little experience in labs but also because I am international. But after a week of lab training with Dr. Fox, George, and Jonathan I gained confidence. Through this program I got to know what scientific research is like. My experience in those eight weeks is now an exciting story in my college app essays! I really want to thank Dr. Fox for providing this wonderful opportunity and everyone who has helped me in those eight weeks – Ivy Sun 2018 Student
Megan Chang –
The summer before my junior year in high school, I participated in the Early Investigator High School Stem Cell Research Program. I had the opportunity to work at City of Hope, working on two projects related to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Previously, I knew almost nothing about stem cell science and had little experience working in a professional laboratory environment. But in those seven weeks, I was introduced not only to practical laboratory techniques but also to the future of regenerative medicine through lectures, discussions, and firsthand experience. It was fascinating to learn about stem cells and their potential for treating patients with diseases, in addition to the wide range of other topics that scientific researchers must understand, such as scientific writing, entrepreneurial science, and ethics. I also learned how important it is to be passionate about what you are doing and how constant curiosity and perseverance are some of the most vital traits a researcher must have. It is in part due to this program that I cannot wait to continue broadening my knowledge of science to embark on a lifelong career in a scientific field. Thank you so much to Dr. Fox, everyone at Pathways, and my mentors at COH for guiding and supporting me throughout the program! – Megan Chang, 2017 Student