Research Experiences Internship Programs

For high school research experiences, the Center has two projects:

Summer High School Research Experiences. In 2008 the Center is piloting a program that provides research experiences and basic laboratory training to high school students participating in the University of Washington GenOM program. This program provides educational and research opportunities for under-represented minority students interested in genomics. Genomics Outreach for Minorities is in the College of Engineering, University of Washington.

Certified High School Education "Kits". The Center shares an Educational Program Coordinator with a National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant. The program provides research experiences for students who would not typically have access to the professional scientific environment. The research experiences are built around producing current, standards-based, supplemental educational materials, "kits", designed to have students experience science and technology in a hands-on manner. The first of these kits has been certified by the WA State LASER (Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform) committee that approves use with state mandated education curriculum.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). During the second year of the NIGMS award, the Center piloted a successful undergraduate summer internship program. The program was externally evaluated; 100% of both students and mentors completed pre-, mid- and post-program surveys and the results showed that both mentors and interns were highly supportive of the program and, better, would participate in 2008 program. The eight week program offered: a mentored, research-based project; weekly intern and mentor roundtable discussions on project status and team problem solving; weekly interactive lectures on systems biology and associated disciplines; and hosted (outside-of-work) team building activities. At program completion students present research posters to ISB at-large during a session hosted by Lee Hood and John Aitchison.