LA Biotech Center: Stem Cell Research Program Recently Updated

Learn to plan, implement, analyze, and present authentic scientific research experiments.

The Stem Cell Research Program is an advanced hands-on course suited to science enthusiasts with curious minds and a passion for research, and a strong foundation in biological science. 

Participants learn to plan, implement, analyze, and present an authentic research experiment focusing on the fascinating question of whether comic book superpowers are biologically feasible.

The program is taught hands-on in a biotech research laboratory by professional scientists who are also exceptional mentors. Students work in small teams to investigate the regenerative powers of "The Flash" and compete for prizes during a fun poster presentation contest, which is open to friends and family.

The Stem Cell Research Program provides:

• Comprehensive training in research design, experimental planning and implementation, advanced lab techniques, data analysis and interpretation, troubleshooting, and scientific communication.
• Theoretical discussions that build science literacy and provide a conceptual overview of the hands-on activities and research process.
• Preparation for diverse learning environments through a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines science with math, writing, IT (Microsoft Office software), and public speaking.
• Exposure to biotechnology, scientific research, and real-world science.
• Applicable skills and knowledge for future STEM programs such as high school biology and science fair research.
• An opportunity to connect with other science enthusiasts.
• A certificate of completion.
• Early exposure to STEM careers.

Curriculum

The Stem Cell Research Program provides advanced training in the following research techniques:

1. Background research: Participants learn to perform background research under the guidance of professional biotech scientists. They study the physiology of superspeed watching the first episode of “The Flash” and explore the cellular genetic mechanisms that could enable enhanced muscle regeneration in the real-world.

2. Hypothesis formation: Participants learn to apply their background research and formulate a testable hypothesis relating to the mechanisms of cellular regeneration in heroes with superspeed abilities.

3. Experimental Design: Participants learn to plan a controlled experiment with the appropriate variables, samples, replicates, time points, and assays using muscle stem cells as a research model to test their hypothesis.

4. Experimental Implementation: Participants implement their experiment, which involves engineering mouse muscle stem cells to express a protein associated with enhanced muscle repair and maintenance. They measure the outcome of their experiment using “superpower” bioassays and record their findings in a professionally designed notebook.

5. Data collection and analysis: Participants learn to process, analyze, and present their data using Excel, PowerPoint, and professional microscope imaging software. They gain an early introduction to research ethics and the importance of intellectual honesty, unbiased analysis, and accepting when your hypothesis is wrong.

6. Data interpretation: Participants learn to interpret their data, draw conclusions, and formulate future approaches to improve their research experiment.

7. Research Communication: Participants learn to prepare and present a professional scientific research poster using Microsoft PowerPoint.

*The Stem Cell Research Program provides practical training in: BSL-1 lab safety, microscopy (phase contrast and fluorescent), pipetting, centrifuging, molecular biology (DNA isolation, restriction digest, agarose gel electrophoresis), bioassays (immunocytochemistry), experimentation, scientific research method, computer software (Microsoft Office and microscope camera image acquisition), and research poster preparation.

Eligible students are accepted on a first-come, first-served rolling basis up to 1 week before the course start date.