Immersive, Real-World Research Applications
The Research Scholars programs at UC San Diego provide students with unparalleled educational opportunities that leverage the intellectual capital of an internationally ranked research university. Students assume the role of researcher, becoming fully immersed in projects that have real-world applications.
Dive into unique science research learning experiences that teach highly sought-after skills that can make students more competitive candidates for college admissions and internship opportunities. From Bioengineering, Business Research, and Sports Medicine to Life and Marine Sciences, explore a topic and apply today!
Summer courses are now open for enrollment!
BIOENGINEERING
In partnership with the UC San Diego Department of Bioengineering, our programs provide the general science and engineering foundations of bioengineering based on fun, experiential, remote, hands-on lab activities.
BioEngineering Broad Overview and Techniques (BE-BOAT)
- Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture (MCTC) – students obtain hands-on skills training for mammalian cell and tissue culture and background knowledge of how such culture methods are used. Participants will learn how to plan, prepare, and deliver solutions to propagate mammalian cells and grow tissues; visualize and obtain digital microscopy images of such cell, tissues, and cultures; interpret biochemical assays to quantify cell and tissue growth; and analyze qualitative and quantitative data in an integrative way.
- BioMechanics & MechanoBiology (BMMB) – in their home “lab”, students perform experiments on load-supporting skeletal structures including dissection of the knee, and biomechanical testing of models and tissues (bone, ligament, tendon, meniscus, and cartilage).
- Bioengineering Foundations: MCTC+BMMB – this program is a combination of the two courses Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture and BioMechanics & MechanoBiology.
BioEngineering Research Orientation Workshop (BE-ROW)
- Introduction to Bioengineering Research (BEI2R) – explore how research in bioengineering research is down and how it is different than traditional research in biology or technology development in other engineering disciplines. Led by active researchers, students will work in teams to plan and conduct a biomedical engineering design or science investigation.
BUSINESS RESEARCH (NEW!)
- Business Research for Innovation and Growth – through a combination of discussions, real-life venture case studies, and venture simulations developed at the top universities, this course prepares students for careers and advanced education in business, entrepreneurship, and management with a solid grounding in fundamentals. Students immerse themselves in the topics of business innovation, venture financing, and growth strategy. Simulations provide experience in the dynamics of a business venture and the challenges of raising money, leading an organization, ad building wealth for founders and stakeholders.
LIFE SCIENCES
In partnership with the Boz Institute, explore fundamental biology topics, modern laboratory techniques, and relevant bioinformatics and statistical applications. Learn to synthesize life science fundamentals, review literature, formulate hypotheses and design experiments, collect and process samples, execute experiments, analyze data, and showcase your work through poster presentations attended by local scientists and industry leaders.
MARINE SCIENCE
Gain foundational knowledge in ocean sciences, specifically marine biology and related disciplines. Explore the diversity of life and how biological, chemical, and physical processes drive ecosystem dynamics in a marine environment. Investigate relevant, contemporary environmental issues and how to build a career in marine science.
- Advanced Marine Biodiversity: Life on the Edge – students will be part of ongoing research in partnership with the National Park Service at Cabrillo National Monument, where they will plan, run, analyze, and communicate results to the San Diego Community. This course will focus on the three research topics of thermodynamics, molecular genetics, and ecology.
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Designed with faculty from the UC San Diego School of Medicine, students can explore exciting fields of medicine.
- Sports Medicine Summer Academy is an interactive, intensive summer course designed for incoming 11th and 12th-grade students who are interested in musculoskeletal medicine. This course familiarizes students with the focus, concepts, content, and activities of the area of clinical medicine called Sports Medicine. Students will actively participate in lectures from nationally acclaimed faculty, explore current research in sports medicine, and explore the assessment of their own wellness and fitness through the use of wearable technology.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!
The Inamori Scholarship is dedicated to supporting the foundation's belief that people have no higher calling than to strive for the greater good of humankind and society by finding a balance between scientific development and the enrichment of the human spirit. Application required.
BIOENGINEERING
Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture (MCTC)
June 13 – June 24 (2 weeks): $2,600 (online), $2,900 (in-person)
BioMechanics & MechanoBiology (BMMB)
June 27 – July 1 (1 week): $1,350 (online), $1,700 (in-person)
Bioengineering Foundations: MCTC+BMMB
June 13 – July 1 (3 weeks): $3,750 (online), $4,200 (in-person)
Introduction to Bioengineering Research (BEI2R)
July 17 – August 12 (4 weeks): $2,600 (online)
Application Deadline: Space is limited and students will be accepted on a rolling basis.
BUSINESS RESEARCH
Business Research for Innovation and Growth
July 11 – July 29 (3 weeks); $2,500 (online)
Application Deadline: Space is limited and students will be accepted on a rolling basis.
MARINE SCIENCE
Advanced Marine Biodiversity: Life on the Edge
July 5 – July 29 (3 weeks): $3,000 (in-person)
Application Deadline: Space is limited and students will be accepted on a rolling basis.
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Sports Medicine Summer Academy
July 5 – July 29 (4 weeks):
Application Deadline: Thursday, March 31, 2022
