New York, USA (CU)_ SUNY Oswego has planned to offer a free Biotechnology Training Camp for High School Students, in order to provide opportunities for youngsters to participate in innovative research and learn about advanced scientific techniques and to pursue a career in science. The Shineman Endowed Fund sponsors the workshop which is free for registrants.
Yulia Artemenko from the college of biological sciences, who coordinates the new program with other on-campus researchers, spoke about the new biotech camp. She said, “The biotechnology training camp is a new summer program that will give local high school students an opportunity to do real biotechnology research”. She added, “If you’re starting to think about your next steps and are applying for college in the next year or two, this program could be perfect for you.”
The one-week summer training program, which is scheduled from June 27 to July 1, will include facility tours, short lectures on molecular biology and biotechnology, safety training, and supervised laboratory activities. Applications are now being accepted from Oswego County students who will be high school seniors or juniors in the autumn of 2022.
Artemenko explained about the training. She said, “As a scholar in a biotech training camp, you would have an opportunity to do a research project with a faculty member in their lab. For example, you might measure the levels of stress hormones in different populations, or test whether local pill bugs are infected with certain bacteria, or investigate whether there are interactions between beneficial gut microbes.”
This autonomous study under the supervision of a faculty mentor may last two to seven weeks, and students would finally present their studies to family, friends, and the SUNY Oswego community at the annual summer research symposium. Additionally, the camp will be coordinated by Kestas Bendinskas of the chemistry department, as well as Chris Chandler, Peter Newell, and Nicholas Sard of the biological sciences department.
Artemenko spoke about the benefits of this training. She said, “Through these independent research experiences, as well as structured group activities, you will become familiar with the tools used in genetics, microbiology, cell and molecular biology and biochemistry research”. She added, “In addition to gaining research experience, you will also build connections with other like-minded scholars as well as undergraduate students and faculty who can help you navigate your journey to college.”
