Cohort Three, Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology program pairs high school and college women as near-peer mentors and connects them with diverse professionals from STEM careers in Delaware. In-person laboratory experiences will include insider tours of AstraZeneca’s biomanufacturing facility in Newark.

This fast-paced, hybrid program 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 program introduces participants to STEM professionals and entrepreneurs in biotechnology, sales & marketing, and manufacturing to learn more about the careers and industries located in their own communities.

Cohort Three, Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology, begins on April 5, 2022.

Cohort Three Open To:

• College students: Any student currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college
• High School students: Must attend a public high school
• Individuals who identify as female, cisgender, transgender, and non-binary
• Priority will be given to those from groups underrepresented in STEM careers, including Black and Latina women, women of Native American background, as well as first generation college students.

What will you do in Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology?

• Meet strong women who are kicking butt and taking names in STEM fields
• Learn lab skills + science 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
• See inside AstraZeneca biomanufacturing laboratories
• 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 what they thought!

What to Expect as a Participant

The program consists of two parts:

PART ONE: Bi-weekly virtual workshops (April 5 – June 7, 2022)

Virtual sessions will highlight keynote speakers from industry and academia and workshops to develop laboratory skills and career readiness. Prior to the workshops, all participants will receive an At Home Science Kit containing laboratory materials and equipment to be used during the virtual skills workshops and for homework assignments.

• • Virtual sessions for all participants will be held Tuesdays, 6-8PM, via Zoom.
  • Virtual sessions will be held on the following dates: April 5, April 26, May 10, May 24, June 7

PART TWO: Laboratory Intensive Course (June 21 – July 1, 2022)

A two-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, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

• Week one: Tuesday,  June 21 to Friday, June 24
• Week two: Tuesday, June 28 to Friday, July 1
• Laboratory intensive will take place on the AstraZeneca campus in Wilmington, Delaware

College student (mentor) additional info:

• Mentors are required to attend virtual orientation
• Mentors will receive a stipend of $500
  • Stipends will be split and received in the middle and at the end of the program

High school participant info:

• Students must commit to having their camera on for all virtual small group sessions
• High school participants will receive a $50 travel stipend at the end of the program
• Students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program

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

Thanks to AstraZeneca for supporting this program.