High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research
A Summer of Science for a Lifetime of Learning.
Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research provides an opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of current biological/biomedical theory and research tools and techniques at a nationally recognized nonprofit research institution. Wistar scientists and their laboratory teams serve as program mentors guiding students through the planning and practice of daily research experiments and activities. Students learn research skills together, taught by a team of mentors, and individually as each student trains in a principal investigator’s laboratory for the duration of the program; under the direction of the laboratory head, the student is assigned a unique research project related to the research goals of that particular laboratory. Students are integrated into the daily work of the laboratory, participating in laboratory meetings and gaining exposure to different facets of the laboratory's research. Mentors help students apply their current knowledge and skills and assist them in making the connection between laboratory experience and their academic studies. The program includes a weekly lunchtime seminar series presented by Institute scientists and an introduction to research library skills development.
At the end of the summer, students are required to give an oral presentation with slides, as well as prepare a final written report describing their research project, techniques and processes learned, and how the experience was useful to the student both academically and personally. The students meet periodically with their mentors to prepare and review the content of the oral presentations and written reports. Students are expected to devote 35 hours a week to the program. Students are given a stipend to defray commuting or other expenses they are expected to incur.