High School Students
High school students are important members of the MDIBL research community
Early exposure to scientific discovery is fundamental to creating not only scientists and physicians, but also scientifically literate and engaged teachers, businesspeople, and policy makers. Through our high school research program, the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory engages students early in their education, at a time when they are considering college education and future career paths. High school participants in our research program are offered opportunities to learn from scientists how they work, what inspires them, and how to continue in science in college and beyond. Summer fellowships (internships) and a one-week course are offered.
The Summer Academy in Genomics is a one-week short course for Maine high school students held every August. The Academy is a one-week introduction to genomics research in which students will learn and practice techniques in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
Summer Research Fellowships
The High School Research Fellowship program is a hands-on, mentored laboratory experience for Maine high school students interested in biology, medicine, or research.
Up to twelve eight-week research fellowships are available in both residential and commuter programs. Selected high school students are matched with and work alongside an MDIBL scientist in his or her laboratory. The goal of this program is for high school students to play an active role in real biological research. Early in the fellowship, students meet with their mentors to plan their own individual project. For the remainder of the fellowship, students are fully engaged in their research project—conducting experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and keeping their lab notebook and research portfolio. Students meet weekly to discuss their projects and listen to guest speakers. At the end of the fellowship, students prepare written reports and give oral presentations to their peers and mentors.
STEER (Short Term Educational Experience in Research)
Maine high school students specifically interested in the environmental health sciences should consider applying for a high school research fellowship under the MDIBL STEER program. This program is specifically for Maine high school students and emphasizes laboratory research in the environmental health sciences.
Mentors
Students can select a summer research mentor from among MDIBL’s resident or visiting faculty whose research matches their personal scientific interests and career goals.
Campus living
High school students who live beyond commuting distance live on-campus in the Emery Cottage. Meals are served in the MDIBL Co-op (called Co-op because students are responsible for their own meals on weekends). Most of the Laboratory community—students and PIs—gather for lunch; dinners are typically only attended by students. The residential program is run by a full time Residential Advisor, who helps coordinate weekend activities.
Weekends are typically free and students enjoy recreational activities including hiking in Acadia National Park, swimming in one of Acadia’s pristine ponds, biking, running, sand pit volleyball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, kayaking, or just relaxing on the Lab dock.
Admissions and Funding
Summer Research Fellowship applications are generally accepted in late fall, with an application deadline in early January. Most fellowships cover all expenses (room, board, travel) and pay a weekly stipend.
Dates
June 11 – August 3, 2012. These dates may vary on an individual basis depending on their mentor’s arrival and departure dates.
