Biotechnology Summer Camp Reflections

The following are reflections from former Biotechnology Summer Camp participants.  Although I-STEM does not pair students with faculty mentors, it does provide significant instruction on how to perform research and many fundamental laboratory techniques in molecular biology.

The Biotechnology Summer Camp "was a really important stepping stone for me in order to perform high level research. In addition, many of the laboratory techniques I learned in the biotechnology program (DNA extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, etc.) were actually vital techniques I still used in my research that I submitted for Siemens. The camp definitely gave me a great framework for basic biology/biochemistry research, as well as teaching me the lab safety rules that are imperative to know and follow in a professional lab."

              - Kameron Sedigh, Kings Park High School, BSC Class of 2013
                Siemens regional finalist, 2015
                Intel semi-finalist, 2016

"...the most valuable aspect of the Biotechnology Summer Camp program was the skills that it taught to prepare each student for a long career in biotechnology. I think often in science young students are too results oriented; they want to accomplish something or prove something and often take for granted the techniques and careful adherence to the scientific method that is so imperative so science. I think the curriculum was well-designed to prevent this development and instead foster an appreciation for the process as well as the result. The first week, when we learned new techniques and executed pre-determined labs in an often creative or interesting manner was in my opinion essential to the success of the program."

              - Julian Ubriaco, Kings Park High School, BSC Class of 2013
                Siemens regional finalist, 2015
                Intel semi-finalist, 2016

"The Biotechnology Summer Camp was my foundation for other research endeavors. It was an exposure to proper etiquette in a laboratory setting and the trial and error involved in research. Not to mention, the Biotech program also helped develop my paper writing skills which were absolutely essential for success in the Siemens competition. "

             - Brian Rhee, Half Hollow Hills High School East, BSC Class of 2014
               Siemens regional finalist, 2015