Florida International University (FIU) recently organized a prestigious summer internship program, specifically tailored for students from St. Lucie County. Thirteen exceptional students were selected to participate in this enriching opportunity.
The internship spanned five weeks and focused on biomedical research training at FIU’s Center for Translational Sciences (CTS). From June 3rd to July 5th, these students delved into various areas, including biosciences, biomedicine, and data science. Through hands-on experience, they honed essential research techniques, developed scientific reading and writing skills, and learned how to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
During their internship, students collaborated closely with FIU CTS researchers, trainees, and staff. Their hard work culminated in a final presentation on July 3, 2024, where they shared their findings with the research team and the public.
The summer research lab options were diverse, covering topics such as pulmonary vascular disease, lung genomics, metabolomics, mass spectrometry, endothelial cell biology, drug delivery, spinal cord injury, and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC). These choices allowed students to explore their interests and gain valuable insights into cutting-edge scientific fields.
To qualify for the internship, students needed to meet specific criteria:
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Maintain a high school GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale
- Have completed coursework in biology and/or chemistry
- Obtain a teacher recommendation
Overall, the program provided a unique platform for young minds to immerse themselves in the world of biomedical research and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge.
The FIU website features a photo gallery showcasing the High School Summer Internship. You can access it via the following link and scrolling to the bottom of the page and select “2024 High School Summer Internship Program Gallery”:
https://cts.fiu.edu/high-school-summer-internship-program/
