Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology: Spring 2024

Learning Undefeated’s Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology course pairs high school and college women as near-peer mentors and connects them with diverse female professionals from STEM careers across the country, with a focus on the biomedical and biotechnology fields.

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This fast-paced, hybrid course introduces high school and college women to biotechnology jobs, in an all-female cohort environment. Students will get hands-on laboratory experiences and meet female luminaries from all across the spectrum of STEM careers. Mentors lead high school participants through career and hands-on investigation activities while developing relationships to help support each other as they pursue their STEM goals.

The Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology course will begin on April 13, 2024. Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours of programming (virtual or in-person) to receive a certificate of completion. You can pick and choose sessions that work for your schedule. 

This Program is Open To:

  • College students: Students currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college
  • High school students: Must have completed 9th grade by June 2024
  • Individuals who identify as female, cisgender, transgender, and non-binary
  • Priority will be given to those from groups underrepresented in STEM careers, including Black, Latina, and Native American women, as well as military-connected students.

What will you do in Emerging Leaders?

  • Meet strong women who are kicking butt and taking names in STEM fields
  • Learn lab skills + techniques that will set you apart when applying to college and that first job
  • Practice “soft skills” like making connections and public speaking, which are in super high demand in science jobs
  • Learn about STEM careers, internships, and scholarships
  • Build friendships with college and high school women who have similar interests
  • Get a completion certificate to add to your college application or résumé

What will you get out of this program? Hear from our Cohort One participants on what they thought!

What to Expect as a Participant

The program consists of multiple events. Participants must complete 18 hours to earn a completion certificate. Completed student homework assignments will be counted towards hours of completion (2 hours).

Bi-weekly virtual workshops (April 13 – June 1, 2024) (7.5 hours)

Virtual sessions will highlight keynote speakers from industry, research, and the Department of Defense and workshops to develop career readiness skills.  Virtual sessions for all participants will be held Saturdays, 10AM-11:30AM ET (9AM-10:30AM CT), via Zoom.

  • Virtual sessions will be held on the following dates: April 13, April 27, May 4, May 18, and June 1
Laboratory Intensive Course (June and July 2024) (15 hours)

A one-week, in-person laboratory course will focus on building research and laboratory skills. During the lab, students will explore CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and genetic engineering. Students will gain expertise in transformation, CRISPR, gel electrophoresis, synthetic biology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

DATES and TIMES: In-person sessions will be held Monday – Friday from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

  • San Antonio, Texas Laboratory Intensive
    • Dates: June 3-7, June 10-14, and June 24-28
    • Location: Palo Alto College (1400 W Villaret Blvd, San Antonio, TX 782240

All participants are expected to:

  • Actively participate in at least 18 hours to receive a certificate of completion.
  • Have their cameras on during virtual workshops.
  • Be on time for both virtual and in-person sessions.
  • Complete homework assignments in a timely manner.

College student (mentor) additional info:

  • Mentors are required to attend virtual orientation in March 2024.
  • Mentors will receive a stipend of $500
    • Mentors must meet 20 hours to receive a complete stipend.
    • Service hours available upon request.

 High school participant info:

  • To receive a certificate of completion, participants must actively participate for at least 18 hours
  • Students must commit to having their cameras on for all virtual small-group sessions
  • High school participants will receive a $200 travel stipend at the end of the program

Please feel free to contact program manager Dr. Benedetta Naglieri with any questions.