Learning Undefeated’s Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology is a fast-paced, hybrid course that introduces high school and college women to biotechnology jobs, in an all-female  environment. Students will build their laboratory skills, meet female luminaries from across the spectrum of STEM careers, and learn about the variety of pathways and opportunities to a successful career in STEM.

The Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology course will begin on May 10, 2025. Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours of programming (virtual or in-person) to receive a stipend and 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 9^th grade by June 2025
• 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 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 (May 10 – June 14, 2025) (7.5 hours)

Virtual sessions will highlight keynote speakers from industry, government, and research. Workshops focus on developing career readiness skills. Virtual sessions for all participants will be held Saturdays, 10AM-12:30AM ET (9AM-11:30AM CT), via Zoom.

• Virtual sessions will be held on the following dates: May 10, May 17, May 31, June 7, and June 14.

Laboratory Intensive Course (June and July 2025) (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).

• Students should expect lab sessions to last 3-4 hours and run for 4-5 days, depending on location.
• Students only need to attend 1 session to receive a stipend.
• Exact locations, dates, and times will be released in April.
• Prince George’s County, MD: June 23-27, 2025; or July 7-11, 2025
• Rockville, MD: July 14-18, 2025; or July 21-25, 2025
• San Antonio, TX: TBD

What will you get out of this program? Hear from Addison, a 2024 participant!