Dive into cancer biology through hands-on lab work and advanced concepts. Study how abnormal cells grow and spread while exploring promising plant-based compounds (phytochemicals) that may help prevent or fight cancer. Learn about cellular changes that trigger cancer development and discover how natural substances from fruits and vegetables could stop cancer cell growth through programmed cell death.
Course Content In this program, you will conduct hands-on experiments to create extracts containing phytochemicals and learn what happens when these extracts are used to treat cancer cells. During this week-long program, you will be introduced to cancer biology concepts and laboratory techniques through lectures and hands-on laboratory activities. Learn about cellular changes that give rise to cancer Grow, maintain, and treat cancer cells in vitro (grown in dishes) Prepare extracts containing phytochemicals that may fight cancer Examine cells using light microscopy Measure ATP levels using a luminometer Analyze cells for apoptosis using fluorescence microscopy You will implement the same techniques used by cancer biology researchers to study cancer cells including inverted light microscopy to examine cell morphology and health, fluorescence microscopy to detect apoptosis, and luminescence to measure cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels.
To be accepted into this program, you must be a rising junior or senior in good academic standing. For 2025, this program is open only to US residents between the ages of 15 and 17. This course is offered during Session One: July 6 - 11 Program Cost: $2,250 ($50 application fee) A limited number of scholarships are available to offset the program costs for students with demonstrated need. The Scholarships are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Application Deadlines: Application Opens: December 13, 2024 Early Action*: March 7, 2025 Application Closes: May 30, 2025 *Apply by the early action deadline and receive a $100 discount on the program fee.