Biotechnology Resources

Academic Competitions
Summer Programs | Internships
Websites
Books

ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS

BioGENEius Challenge
High school students submit descriptions of biotechnology-themed research projects to the Biotechnology Institute. Two finalists from each state advance to the regional challenge. Two finalists from each region advance to the international competition, where they present their projects to a panel of expert biotech judges. First- through fourth -place winners receive $7,500, $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000, respectively. In addition, 10 honorable mentions receive $500 each.
(703) 248-8681; http://www.biotechinstitute.org/programs/biogeneius_challenge.html

Davidson Fellows Awards
Students ages 17 and under submit a significant piece of work in science, technology, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy, or “outside the box.” Eight to fifteen students are typically selected each year and named Davidson Fellows. Fellows receive a $50,000, $25,000, or $10,000 scholarship and are recognized for their achievements in Washington, DC. (775) 852-3483 x423; www.davidsongifted.org/fellows

Intel International Science & Engineering Fair
Two individuals and one team from each of 500 Intel ISEF-Affiliated Science Fairs advance to the international competition. These high school students compete for scholarships in 17 categories. The top winner at the international competition receives a $75,000 scholarship, and two $50,000 scholarships are awarded in Best in Show categories. Additional prizes include cash awards, scholarships, grants, and trips. Multiple special awards are also presented. (202) 785-2255; www.societyforscience.org/isef

Intel Science Talent Search
High school seniors submit a written description of their independent research and a 12-page entry form. From the 300 semifinalists, 40 finalists are selected to travel to Washington, DC for final judging. Ten finalists receive one of the following four-year scholarships: one $100,000, one $75,000, one $50,000, one $40,000, one $30,000, two $25,000, or three $20,000. The remaining 30 finalists each receive a $7,500 scholarship. (202) 785-2255; www.societyforscience.org/sts

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
Students in grades 9–12 who have completed original research in science, engineering, or mathematics may apply to attend JSHS regional symposia. Three winners from each regional event win scholarships of $2,000, $1,500, or $1,000 and are invited to attend the National Symposium, where six first-place, six second-place, and six third-place winners receive scholarships of $16,000, $6,000, and $2,000, respectively. Each first-place finalist also receives an all-expense-paid trip to the London International Youth Science Forum, an exchange program bringing together over 400 participants from 60 nations.
(603) 228-4520; www.jshs.org

Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology
As individuals or as members of two- or three-person teams, high school students submit research projects in one of 14 categories. Up to 300 projects are selected as semifinalists; from that group, up to 30 individuals and 30 teams become regional finalists. Individual winners of regional competitions receive $3,000 scholarships; winning teams receive $6,000 in scholarships to divide among team members. Team and individual winners go to New York for the national finals, where they compete for scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. (877) 822-5233; www.siemens-foundation.org

Young Epidemiology Scholars Competition
High school juniors and seniors submit reports of research projects they have conducted that apply epidemiological methods of analysis to a health-related issue. After three levels of competition (with prizes for up to 120 semifinalists), 12 national finalists will be selected and will receive one of the following scholarship awards: two $50,000, two $35,000, two $20,000, or six $15,000. (800) 626-9795; www.collegeboard.com/yes

SUMMER PROGRAMS

OPPORTUNITIES AT CTY
At the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, students who have earned qualifying test scores can explore a range of math, science, and humanities topics in summer and online courses. This list features courses in biotechnology.

CTY Summer Programs (multiple sites)
Grades 7–11; 3 weeks; residential and commuter. Course offerings include Biotechnology and Bioethics. (410) 735-6277; www.cty.jhu.edu/summer

ADDITIONAL SUMMER PROGRAMS
Grades specified refer to students' 2011-12 status. All programs are residential unless otherwise noted.

Advanced Biotechnology Institute (MA)
Grades 9–12; 3 weeks; residential and commuter. Students learn about DNA and protein science through labs, visits to biotechnology pharma companies, and a trip to the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. (617) 325-0547, x500; www.biotech-institute.org

BioTech Summer Science Camp (CA)
Grades 11­–12; 5 days; commuter. Through field trips and hands-on activities, students explore careers in biotechnology and learn how scientists are using biology to solve a wide range of human problems. (925) 942-3385; www.cocosummercamps.org

Biotechnology Summer Camp @ SUNY Stony Brook (NY)
Grades 9 and up; 4 weeks. Students are introduced to techniques used in modern biotech research and explore microbiology, chemistry, and molecular biology through labs, lectures, and classroom activities. (631) 632-9750; www.stonybrook.edu/cesame/students/BiotechSummerCamp/biotechsummercamp.shtml

Columbia University Summer Programs for High School Students (NY)
Grades 9–12; 4 weeks; residential and commuter. Course offerings include Biomedical Engineering: Physical Effects on Cells, and Explorations in Genetics and Molecular Biology. (212) 854-9666; www.ce.columbia.edu/hs

Dolan DNA Learning Center Summer Camps (NY)
Grades 6–12; 5 days; commuter. A variety of summer camps are available to students depending on grade level and prior camp experience, and include Fun With DNA, World of Enzymes, Forensic Detectives, Green Genes, Genetic Horizons, DNA Science, Silencing Genomes, Human Genomics, and Plant Genomics. (516) 367-5170; http://summercamps.dnalc.org

Duke University TIP (multiple sites)
Grades 8–11; 3 weeks. Qualifying students explore Genetics and Nanotechnology through coursework, labs, discussion, guest speakers, and field trips.
(919) 668-9100; www.tip.duke.edu/summer

Exploration Summer Programs (EXPLO) (CT)
Grades 10–12; 3 weeks; residential and commuter. Students taking Cracking the Code: Genetic Engineering or Biomedical Ethics participate in projects, hands-on activities, and field trips. (781) 762-7400; www.explo.org

George Washington University Pre-College (DC)
Grades 10–12; 10 days; residential and commuter. Course offerings include Biomedical Engineering. (202) 994-6360; www.gwu.edu/apply/precollege

Georgia Tech Bio @ Tech Summer Program for High School Students (GA)
Grades 10–12; 3 weeks; commuter. Students explore biotechnology through lectures and labs. (404) 894-3700; www.ceismc.gatech.edu/summercamps/ARCHIVE/09SummerFiles/high.html

Girls’ Adventures in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science (GAMES) (IL)
Grades 9–10; girls only; 1 week. At state-of-the-art labs at the University of Illinois, eligible students explore Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering.
(217) 244-3815; https://wiki.engr.illinois.edu/display/games/G.A.M.E.S.+Camp

Harvard Secondary School Program (MA)
Grades 10–12; 7 weeks. Students take two courses which may include Genome and Systems Biology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Principles of Biochemistry, and Darwin’s Legacy and Advances in Modern Biology. (617) 495-3192; www.summer.harvard.edu/2010/programs/ssp

Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology (AL)
Grades 6–9; 1 week; commuter. Students first attend The Code of Life camp, where they explore DNA through hands-on projects and classroom activities. They are then eligible to attend Beyond the Basics: Transforming DNA, where they use recombinant DNA techniques, plate bacteria, and clone a jellyfish gene.
(256) 837-0606; www.hudsonalpha.org/education/camps

Indiana State University Summer Seminars (IN)
Grades 10–12; 1 week. Course offerings include Technology and the Environment, Basic Techniques of Cancer Research, and Forensic Facial Reconstruction.
(800) 468-6478; www.indstate.edu/experience

Michigan Tech Youth Programs (MI)
Grades 10–12; 1 week; residential and commuter. Through hands-on labs and classroom and field experiences, students in the Explorations Program explore Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. (906) 487-2219; http://youthprograms.mtu.edu/students-prospective-syp.php

North Carolina State University Summer Programs (NC)

Creating Awareness of Agricultural and Life Sciences Disciplines, Degree Programs, and Discoveries (CAALS 3-D) Project
Grades 11–12; minority boys only; 1 week; commuter. Students learn cutting-edge scientific techniques and experience research in such disciplines as biotechnology. (919) 513-0489; http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/diversity/index.cfm?pageID=1797

Summer College in Biotechnology and Life Sciences Program (SCBLS)
Grades 11–12; 4 weeks; residential and commuter. Students take courses, tour research facilities, participate in hands-on projects, and interact with professionals in the field. (919) 515-2614; http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/academic/index.cfm?pageID=1975

Middle School Summer Camp
Grades 6–9; 1 week; commuter. Students experience engineering through hands-on, creative investigations and building activities such as extracting DNA from a strawberry. www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/summerprograms/middle-school

High School Summer Workshops
Grades 11–12; 1 week; residential. Students participate in hands-on labs, lectures, and field visits. Workshops are available in Biological (Environmental, or Biofuels and Engine Cycles option), Chemical, and Biomolecular science. www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/summerprograms/high-school

Northwestern University CTD (IL)
Grades 7–12; 1 or 3 weeks; residential and commuter. Qualifying students in grades 7–9 may take Introduction to Biomedicine, while those in grades 9–12 may take Genetics or Ethics and Contemporary Issues. (847) 491-3782; www.ctd.northwestern.edu/summer

Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative Summer Programs (PA)
Grades 6–8 and 11–12; 5 days or 5 weeks; commuter. Students in grades 6–8 spend 5 days in Middle School Tissue Engineering Summer Camp, where they participate in classroom activities and experiments. Those in grades 11–12 spend 5 weeks performing library research, touring laboratories, interacting with faculty, and exploring careers. These interns also serve as counselors in the Middle School Tissue Engineering Summer Camp. (412) 624-5594; www.ptei.org/interior.php?pageID=53

Purdue University Gifted Education Resource Institute (IN)
Grades 8–12; 1 or 2 weeks. Qualifying students in grades 8–9 may take Biochemistry or Genetic Genius, while those in grades 10–12 may choose from Bioengineering, Controversial Issues, Applied Microbiology, and To Clone or Not to Clone. (765) 494-7243; www.purdue.edu/geri

Research Science Institute (RSI) (MA)
Grade 12; 6 weeks. Students living on campus at MIT visit leading labs in the Boston area and experience the entire research cycle from start to finish.
(703) 448-9062; www.cee.org/programs/rsi

SciTech at the Technion Institute of Technology (Israel)
Grades 11–12; 3–4 weeks. Eligible students work individually or in small teams on a project of their choice. 2010 projects include Turning Genes On and a Disease “Sniffing” Electronic Nose. www.scitech.technion.ac.il

Smith College Summer Science Program (MA)
Grades 9–12; girls only; 4 weeks. Alongside Smith faculty, students participate in hands-on research and take two research courses, which may include Biomedical Engineering and A Lab in Human Genetics. The program culminates in presentations attended by family. (413) 585-3060; www.smith.edu/summerprograms/ssep/index.php

Stanford University Summer Session (CA)
Grades 11 & 12; 8 weeks; residential and commuter. Course offerings include Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology and Bioethics. (650) 723-3109; http://summersession.stanford.edu/highschool/overview.asp

Summer at Brown Precollege Program (RI)
Grades 9–12; 1–7 weeks. Brown’s extensive course offerings for high school students include Engineering Biomedical Systems, Exploring the Interface of Nanotechnology and Biology, Techniques in DNA-Based Biotechnology, Introduction to Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Stem Cells, Cloning, Regenerative Medicine: Changing the Face of Biology, Introduction to Bio-Medical Science, Genetics and Human Behavior, and Exploring Engineering: Problem Solving in Biotech, Nanotech, & Renewable Energy. (401) 863-7900; www.brown.edu/scs/pre-college

University of California Irvine Summer Session (CA)
Grade 12; 6 weeks; commuter. Eligible students may take courses in Genetics or Introduction to Biomedical Engineering. (949) 824-5493; www.summer.uci.edu/services/students/highschool.aspx

University of Connecticut Mentor Connection (CT)
Grades 11 & 12; 3 weeks. Qualifying students choose a mentorship site and work closely with university mentors on research projects. 2010 projects include Nanobiotechnology: The Future of Detection and Treatment of Disease, and Environmental Data Collection and Analysis Using Geospatial Technologies.
(860) 486-0283; www.gifted.uconn.edu/mentor

University of Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (IA)
Grades 11 & 12; 6 weeks. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students spend approximately 40 hours per week conducting research in a discipline of interest. Research topics typically are available in Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, among others. (800) 553-4692 x53876; http://continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/SSTP

University of Maryland Young Scholars Program (MD)
Grades 10–12; 3 weeks. Students take one course and participate in lectures, field trips, and projects. Course offerings include Biotechnology, Food: Science and Technology, Product Development and Marketing, and Innovative Thinking & Creativity. (301) 405-7762;
www.summer.umd.edu/?slab=young-scholars-program

University of Miami Summer Scholars Program (FL)
Grades 11–12; 3 weeks. Students explore Biomedical, Computer, and Electrical Engineering through the Engineering Program. (305) 284-4000; http://www6.miami.edu/summerscholar

University of Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program (IN)
Grade 12; 3 weeks. Through lectures, labs, group projects, and field trips, students in the Life Sciences Program study Ecology and Environmental Science and The Molecular Genetics of Disease. (574) 631-6092; www.nd.edu/~iep

University of Pennsylvania Summer Academy in Applied Science and Technology (SAAST) (PA)
Grades 10–12; 3 weeks. Students choose a focus of biotechnology, computer graphics, computer programming, nanotechnology, or robotics, and participate in coursework, labs, and group projects appropriate to the discipline. (215) 573-2575; www.seas.upenn.edu/saast

University of Virginia Summer Session (VA)
Grades 11–12; 4 weeks; commuter. Qualified students take one course, which may include Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology, Cell Biology and Genetics, or The Engineer, Ethics, and Society. (434) 924-3371; www.virginia.edu/summer

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Frontiers in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering (MA)
Grades 11–12; 2 weeks. Students in the Biology and Biotechnology Program participate in hands-on labs, projects, and more. (508) 831-5286; www.admissions.wpi.edu/Frontiers

Yale University Exploration Summer Programs (EXPLO) (CT)
Grades 10–12; 3 weeks; residential and commuter. Course offerings include Cracking the Code: Genetic Engineering and Playing God? (Biomedical Ethics).
(203) 432-2430; www.explo.org

INTERNSHIPS

Berkeley Laboratory Internships for Precollegiate Scholars (CA)
Grade 11; 7 weeks; commuter. Students work with scientists or engineers on projects related to the Laboratory’s research programs. (510) 495-2648; http://csee.lbl.gov/Programs/BLIPS

City of Hope Cancer Center Biomedical Research for Advanced High School Students (CA)
Ages 16 and up; 10 weeks. Students select their own research projects based on their interests, are guided by physicians and scientists, and participate in seminars, workshops, and presentations. www.cityofhope.org/education/summer-student-academy/Pages/default.aspx

Cornell University Plant Genome Research Program Summer Research Internship (NY)
Grades 11–12; 6 weeks. Students work on laboratory-based Plant Genome Research Projects (PGRP) with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists.
(607) 255-6203; http://outreach-pgrp.cornell.edu/home.php?page=Eduction&Section=Internships#page=PGRPSummerInternships

Cornell University Research Apprenticeship in the Biological Sciences (RABS) (NY)
Grades 11–12; 6 weeks. Students interact with Cornell professors, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates, and participate in labs, research, and seminars. The program culminates in a project presentation. (607) 255-6203; www.sce.cornell.edu/sc/programs/index.php?v=96&s=Overview

Drexel University College of Medicine High School Summer Research Internship Program (HSSRI) in Biomedical Research (PA)
Ages 16 and up; 8 weeks. Students in this program attend seminars and are assigned to a lab where they perform unique research. (215) 991-8573; www.drexelmed.edu/Home/AcademicPrograms/BiomedicalGraduateStudies/SummerResearchOpportunities/HighSchoolSummerResearchInternshipProgram.aspx

J. Craig Venter Institute Internship Program (MD)
Grade 12; 8 weeks; commuter. Through mentoring and research, student groups focus on human genomic medicine, infectious diseases, plant, microbial, and environmental genetics, synthetic biology and biology, energy, bioinformatics, and software engineering. (301) 795-7934;
www.jcvi.org/cms/education/internship-program

NIH National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Summer Internship in Biomedical Research (DC)
Ages 16 and up; 8 weeks; commuter. Students in this intensive program attend seminars and receive training, mentoring, and career development assistance.
(301) 402-0911; www.genome.gov/10000218

NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities Summer Internship Opportunities (DC)
Ages 16 and up; 8 weeks; commuter. In addition to internships in areas such as bio-security, gene transfer, genetic technologies, and clinical research policy, students attend lectures, workshops, and career development training. (301) 594-1976; www.training.nih.gov/programs/sip

Translational Genomics Research Institute Helios Scholars Program (AZ)
Ages 16 and up; 8 weeks; commuter. Arizona high school students participate in a symposium and explore genetic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and diabetes, as well as autism and infectious diseases such as influenza. (602) 343-8655; www.tgen.org/education/index.cfm?pageid=648

Utah State University Biotechnology Summer Academy (UT)
Grades 11–12; 5 days. Through research projects, labs, lectures, field trips, and hands-on group experiments, students explore areas such as Bioinformatics, Biotechnology & Genomics, Biological Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and more. (435) 797-3504; www.biosystems.usu.edu/education/high_school/summer_academy

Wistar Institute Summer Fellowship Program in Biomedical Research for High School Students (PA)
Ages 16 and up; 8 weeks. Students in the Philadelphia school district work on active research projects in areas such as cancer genetics, control of tumor progression, and vaccine development. (215) 898-3774; www.wistar.org/education_training/high_school.html#2

WEBSITES

Actionbioscience.org
At this site of the American Institution of Biological Sciences, visitors can read articles written by scientists and students or click on one of seven bioscience challenges to explore how a particular issue affects them (Biotechnology: How is biotechnology changing the world?). www.actionbioscience.org

Amazing Cells
The University of Utah’s Genetic Science Learning Center bills this site as a resource for teachers, but it is packed with stuff for students, from an interactive exploration of the inside of a cell to a 3D animation of cell communication during the fight-or-flight response. Be sure to check out the history of cells as seen through evolving technology, as well as the links to cell videos on the Internet. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells

Bioethics.net
In Bioethics for Beginners, you’ll find an introduction to bioethics and information on the history of bioethics. You can also read bioethical analyses of current events and popular culture, which provide a realistic context for bioethical issues today. www.bioethics.net

Bioinformatics Web
Read an overview on the field of bioinformatics and its sub-disciplines, explore goals of the field, and take a peek into the future of bioinformatics at this informative site. http://bioinformaticsweb.net

The Biotech Game of Life
It’s like the game of Life, but in this game you’re a scientist trying to bring your biotech product to market. Follow the links to PDFs of the game board and play money, but be forewarned: Just like real life, it’s real challenging. www.scq.ubc.ca/the-biotech-game-of-life

Biotechnology Institute
Read the latest industry facts and explore careers in biotechnology at this site dedicated to biotechnology education. Be sure to check out the online magazine Your World for an in-depth look at such topics as agricultural biotechnology, nanotechnology, biofuels, medicine, and more. www.biotechinstitute.org

Biotechnology Learning Hub
At this site based in New Zealand, you can follow links to biotechnology-related information sheets, video clips, interactive tutorials, and a highly informative FAQ section specifically for high school students. www.biotechlearn.org

Council for Biotechnology Information
At this industry site primarily focused on agricultural biotechnology, you can read about Biotech in the News, view slideshows, see current study results, and follow a blog of how individual states are using agricultural biotechnology to meet economic and environmental challenges. www.whybiotech.com

Dining on DNA: An Exploration into Food Biotechnology
Students—and teachers—will find a host of activities and lessons relating to biotechnology and food. www.accessexcellence.org/AB/BA/DODpub

The DNA Files
This is the online home of an award-winning radio program dedicated to helping people explore the science of genetics as well as its legal, ethical, and social implications. You can download complete program transcripts from previous broadcasts, explore specific DNA-related themes, and even take an interactive genetic workshop with your family or friends. www.dnafiles.org

Dolan DNA Learning Center
Produced by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, this site features a wide variety of DNA-related information and links, including 2D and 3D animations on such topics as polymerase chain reaction, cloning, and stem cells; Genes in the News; online education opportunities; links to interactive sites on Genes and Health, the Maize Genome Sequencing Project, and “DNA Interactive,” where you can view a timeline of DNA discoveries, explore applications, and more. www.dnalc.org

Environmental Protection Agency
This government website provides a biotechnology overview, biotech related activities, and a glimpse into the regulatory framework that’s helping to shape biotechnology standards and related laws. www.epa.gov/scipoly/biotech/pubs/overview.htm

Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology
Visitors to this site can download an app that will enable them to interact with 3D plant, animal, and bacteria cells by zooming, rotating, and performing a simple mouse-over for annotations. Educational and addictive! www.hudsonalpha.org/education

National Center for Biotechnology Information Education Page
Some might find this site a bit technical, but do check out the Science Primer for an introduction to the site’s extensive resources. You can also explore 3D structures of proteins, DNA, and RNA molecules and examine data from studies that link genes and diseases. www.ncbi.nih.gov

National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce
This organization seeks to provide prospective students and employees with industry information and standards. www.biotechworkforce.org

The President’s Council on Bioethics
At this official US Government website, you can obtain the latest information on current bioethical issues and inquiries. www.bioethics.gov

Technology Student Association
This site provides information on a variety of school-based competitions for both middle and high school students on such topics as Agriculture and Biotechnology Design, Debating Technological Issues, and Scientific and Technical Visualization (SCIVIS). www.tsaweb.org/high-school-competitions

Virtual Transgenic Fly Lab
Here you can learn the science and techniques used to create transgenic flies. Really. www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/transgenic_fly

BOOKS

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (Henry Holt and Co., 2008).

Altering the Biological Blueprint: The Science of Genetic Engineering by Darlene R. Stille (Compass Point Books, 2010).

Biology is Technology: The Promise, Peril, and New Business of Engineering Life by Robert H. Carlson (Harvard University Press, 2010).

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species: A Graphic Adaptation by Michael Keller (Rodale Books, 2009).

Human Genetic Engineering: A Guide for Activists, Skeptics, and the Very Perplexed by Pete Shanks (Nation Books, 2005).

Microcosm: E. Coli and the New Science of Life by Carl Zimmer (Vintage, 2009).

Mutants, Clones, and Killer Corn: Unlocking the Secrets of Biotechnology by Samantha Seiple and Todd Seiple (Lerner Publishing, 2005).

The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA by Mark Schultz (Hill and Wang, 2009).

Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food by Pamela C. Ronald and R.W. Adamchak (Oxford University Press, 2010).

Twinkie, Deconstructed: My Journey to Discover How the Ingredients Found in Processed Foods are Grown, Mined, and Manipulated into What America Eats by Steve Ettlinger (Hudson Street Press, 2007).