High School Program
Summer Fellowship Program in Biomedical Research
Wistar’s Summer Fellowship Program 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.
To Apply
The dates for the 2018 Program are June 25 to August 17. This program gives preference to students enrolled in the Philadelphia School District, and students outside of the immediate Philadelphia area are not eligible. Interested students, who are at least 16 years old, should submit a one-page letter describing their research interest and career goals. The letter should also include a phone number/email address where the student can be contacted. A letter of recommendation from a science teacher and a transcript should also be submitted. The deadline for submission is March 30, 2018. This material should be sent to:
Dr. William Wunner, Director, High School Training Program
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
The selection process will include an interview of qualified candidates.
Contact Us
For more information about the high school program at The Wistar Institute, please contact:
Maria Colelli
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-3774
colelli@wistar.org
Acknowledgements
The Wistar Institute gratefully acknowledges generous support for these high school programs from GlaxoSmithKline, the Gray Charitable Trust, the Helen D. Groome Beatty Trust, administered by BNY Mellon Wealth Management, and the Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation.