Office of Educational Outreach

The primary goal of this program is to provide a stimulating, active experience in scientific research for students in order to increase their familiarity with the scientific process and their motivation to pursue careers in research or science teaching.
 
This program addresses the critical need in the United States for more scientists and science teachers. UTMB is a major biomedical science center supporting more than 750 research projects, many of which are well suited for developing students with academic potential and encouraging them to pursue scientific careers.

Research Team Placement
The core of this experience is placement of each student for eight weeks in an ongoing research team. Under the guidance of a faculty preceptor, the student will learn research skills in order to contribute to the overall effort. The preceptor will give the student an overview of the goals and methods of the research effort.
 
Skills and techniques a student may learn include starting and maintaining cell cultures, extraction and purification of various bimolecular, electrophoresis, chromatography, light and electron microscopy, electrophysiology, data analysis using a microcomputer, and other biochemical assays and molecular biology techniques.
 
Research Activities
Students participate in a weekly research seminars, organized especially for them, to hear presentations from scientists on campus and to present their research to the group for discussion. Faculty may assist students in explaining the methodology in their research. Students will receive guidance in scientific research and teaching careers and will participate in discussions of important ethical issues facing scientists today.
 
Other Activities
All participants are given the opportunity to present the results of their research experience in oral presentations and the concluding research poster session.
 
Eligible Students
The program is open to all high school students who will be at least 16 years old by June 10, 2013, and who have a G.P.A. of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0. Participants will be selected from applicants by the Committee in Support of Science Education of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Candidates are required to have completed a course in high school chemistry. Juniors and sophomores who have an interest in and aptitude for science will be given primary consideration. These will be judged in terms of:

• course grades and standardized test scores
• demonstrated motivation (e.g., in pursuing a science hobby or special project)
• recommendations from a science or math teacher and a counselor
• student's essay about his/her hopes for the experience

Students from groups under-represented in the biomedical sciences are encouraged to apply.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

Students who participate in this program will be part-time temporary UTMB employees and paid the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr). Funds for salaries are obtained through a number of sources. Please note that UTMB implemented Pre-Employment Drug Testing in 2008 in accordance with IHOP Policy 3.3.18. Participants who are accepted to this program will be contingent on a successful drug screening and security clearance.

June 10 – August 1, 2013