MDI Biological Laboratory

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Signature Course

Biomedical Bootcamp

Techniques for 21st Century Careers
Location: MDI Biological Laboratory (travel information)
Contact Education Office

Biomedical Bootcamp is for high school students entering their junior or senior year of high school, or those who graduated in 2017. 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 get to experience life on a biomedical research campus, touring animal rearing facilities, working in a state-of-the-art research training laboratory, and interacting 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 after course work is complete each day.

 

Tuition

$2,200 per student. Limited financial aid is available for students with need.

  • Jane Disney, Ph.D.
    Jane E. Disney, Ph.D.
    Senior Staff Scientist; Director of Education; Director, Community Environmental Health Laboratory
    MDI Biological Laboratory
  • Elisabeth Adkins, Ph.D.
    Researcher
    MDI Biological Laboratory

Sunday: Students will

  • arrive and meet
  • learn course introduction and goals
  • receive introduction to the scientific method and responsible conduct of research

Monday: Students will

  • 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.

Tuesday: Students will

  • 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.

Wednesday: Students will

  • 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, differentiate between males and females, and set up genetic crosses.

Thursday: Students will

  • 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

Friday: Students will

  • visit with scientists and bioentrepreneurs to discuss career paths
  • participate in a course de-brief
  • depart

 

 

 

Students will reside in a campus dormitory with Resident Advisor supervision. Meals will be provided in our dining hall.

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