Students Start a Summer Steeped in Science
Twenty-seven high school students have arrived at Cedars-Sinai for a sneak peek at what their future selves may be doing if they pursue careers in biomedical research. Their preview comes courtesy of Cedars-Sinai’s Minors in Research program.
Students participating in this summer's Minors in Research program are: (first row, from left) Louise Vinokour, Notre Dame Academy; Adela Hernandez, Alexander Hamilton High School; Anita Anand, Harvard-Westlake School; Brennan Chuang, Agoura High School; Jiho Kim, Fairfax Senior High School; Jamie Lee, New Roads School; Katherine Samuel, Palisades Charter High School; Spencer Zaid, Palisades Charter High School; and Etai Koronyo, La Cañada High School; (second row, from left) Jessica Yang, Palisades Charter High School; Isabella Lacsina, Westlake High School; Ruby Ehrlich, Archer School for Girls; Mia Grossman, Beverly Hills High School; Casey Duan, South High School; Saya Davani, Palisades Charter High School; Melissa Pflug, Campbell Hall; and Isabella Huang, Harvard-Westlake School; (third row, from left) Benjamin Taylor, Brentwood School; Richard Medina, Cathedral High School; Eric Diaz, Eagle Rock High School; Andrew Kwon, Clark Magnet High School; Anna Fotinich, Math and Science College Preparatory; Justin McCaskill, Troy High School; and Angel Emodi, Hawthorne Math and Science Academy. (Program participants not pictured: Diana Arutyunyan, Ulysses S. Grant High School; Shane Brunswick, Milken Community Schools; and Jordan Feldman, Marymount High School.)
Launched in 2016 by Academic Human Resources, the seven-week internship pairs teens ages 16 to 18 with faculty mentors who provide hands-on, behind-the-bench experience conducting scientific studies. Eight interns are working with investigators at the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, and 19 are working with faculty across Cedars-Sinai.
The summer session, which started in mid-June, includes a lecture series featuring Cedars-Sinai investigators, who offer career tips and insights into the challenges and rewards of being a research scientist. The program culminates on Aug. 3, when the teens—along with undergraduate, graduate and medical school interns—showcase their studies at the Fourth Annual Research Internship Program Annual Poster Day.
The Minors in Research students represent eight private and 15 public high schools stretching from North Hollywood to Torrance.
"This year, we received more Minors in Research applications than ever before," said Manisha Chaudhary, program manager in Academic Human Resources. "We welcome the participation of more faculty to serve as mentors so we can admit more students. Faculty members are the cornerstone of this program, and we hope more will consider sharing their knowledge with the next generation of investigators."
Later this month, from July 23–27, a separate group of 22 high school students will do a deep dive into stem cell research as part of the annual Research Week hosted by the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute.
For more information about Minors in Research internships or to become a mentor, visit the program's web page. For more information about the Regenerative Medicine Institute's student programs, visit the institute's High School Outreach Program web page.