Biomedical Bootcamp 2019 Flyer
Biomedical Bootcamp is for high school students entering their junior or senior year of high school in September 2019, or those who graduated in June 2019. The goal is to provide students with the skills they need to feel confident in making decisions about advanced courses and college majors in the biomedical sciences. Students will have the opportunity to learn the latest cutting-edge biomedical research skills from scientists at MDI Biological Laboratory. They will experience life on a biomedical research campus, tour animal rearing facilities, work in a state-of-the-art research training laboratory, and interact with scientists who will share experiences on their paths toward biomedical careers.
MDI Biological Laboratory is located in Bar Harbor, Maine near Acadia National Park. Students will have the opportunity to get outside and explore the park and surrounding coastline.
- Jane E. Disney, Ph.D.Senior Staff Scientist; Director of Research Training; Director, Community Environmental Health LaboratoryMDI Biological Laboratory
- Elisabeth Marnik, Ph.D.ResearcherMDI Biological Laboratory
After an introduction to the scientific method and responsible conduct of research, students will engage in the following learning activities
- receive an introduction to the basic biology essential to understanding biomedical topics and techniques
- tour the animal facilities and gain familiarity with a variety of animal model systems including zebrafish, axolotl, and nematode worms (C. elegans).
- practice skills that will be required throughout the week to address research questions related to C. elegans.
- review important concepts in DNA replication, transcription and translation necessary to understand the logistics of and logic behind typical molecular biology workflows.
- participate in DNA extraction, running gels, conducting Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR), and DNA sequencing.
- use the BLAST tool to examine DNA sequences and learn how to manage and analyze Big Data with an introduction to Bioinformatics
- learn to handle and transfer C.elegans and set up genetic crosses.
- review current research at MDI Biological Laboratory using CRISPR technology to edit genomes of C.elegans.
- work in groups to design crRNA and homology repair template for a gene of interest
- share designs with other course participants
- participate in an scientific ethics roundtable discussion
- visit with scientists and bioentrepreneurs to discuss career paths
Students arrive in the late afternoon on Sunday and depart after lunch on Friday.
Students will reside in a campus dormitory with Resident Advisor supervision. Meals will be provided in our dining hall.