High School Summer Biomedical Research Fellowship Program

High School Students Explore Research Careers Through NJ Association For Biomedical Research Summer Fellowships

Efrem Braun, Paramus; Rachel Clabby, Middletown; Rajen Dutta, Stirling; Kavitha Krishnamoorthy, East Brunswick; Rajvi Patel, Cherry Hill; Melody Safarzadeh, Warren; Elizabeth Shteyn, East Brunswick; Ryan Weiss, Bridgewater; and Dan Willette, Cherry Hill comprised the first class of high school students to participate in the New Jersey Association for Biomedical Research (NJABR) Summer Biomedical Research Fellowship Program. Nine outstanding students were selected for the two-week program, running from July 11-22, which took them to a different New Jersey research facility each day to meet with scientists. The students were selected from applications submitted by more than 75 New Jersey high school juniors.

(Story continues after photos - click photos to enlarge)

Supported by a grant from Schering-Plough Corporation, the High School Fellowship Program was designed to expose the students to all aspects of biomedical research. Each day, the host scientists provided the Fellows with a unique and comprehensive view of the process and essence of their work. They also guided discussions on emerging issues in science, as well as legal and ethical questions raised by the rapid advance of science and technology.

"We established the NJABR Fellowship Program not only for the extraordinary learning experience it offers these outstanding students, but also for New Jersey and the global research facilities located here," said Jayne Mackta, president of NJABR. "We appreciate the support of Schering-Plough and our host institutions in helping us encourage the best and brightest science students to pursue their education and, ultimately, their careers in New Jersey, a state rich with opportunities for biomedical research."

The students also were introduced to the biotechnology industry in a session with heads of four biotech companies held at the Commercialization Center for Innovative Technologies, a life science and technology incubator for New Jersey entrepreneurs operated by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and housed at the Technology Centre in North Brunswick. "Within the biotech industry, start-up companies are very prevalent," said Don Shatinsky, manager of the Center. "This entrepreneurial perspective complemented the academic and big pharma experiences that the students received very nicely." Companies represented included Semorex, Inc., Vincogen Corp., Profact Protemics and Orthocon, LLC.

All of the students were asked to comment on the program at its end, and they are as follows:

• Efrem: "The NJABR Summer Fellowship was an excellent program for me to attend this summer. Speaking with all of the scientists, pharmacists, and business persons allowed me to learn about my future career options and taught me about new occupations that I had previously not considered. Participating in this program helped me to broaden my horizons, meet new people, and make new contacts in the fields of business and science."
• Rachel: "I can't believe the amazing research that is going on in New Jersey and I learned so much about it being a part of this program. Being exposed to research in industry and academia really opened my eyes to the opportunities for careers in science."
• Rajen: "The exposure to career models and the biomedical research industry was simply amazing. Along with being immersed in the ongoing research, we had a chance to examine past and present ethical controversies in science, a valuable experience for any future in science."
• Kavitha: "This has been a very memorable experience for me. Many of the things I learned during this program will help me pursue my goals in life. I'm so thankful for receiving this opportunity to take part in this fellowship program."
• Rajvi: "The summer fellowship program has been a valuable experience for me. I am very glad that I was a part of the program because I was able to acquire a great deal of knowledge about biomedical research and career opportunities in science. I believe that this fellowship is a great way of getting youngsters interested in scientific research."
• Melody: "The experience was extremely inspiring. Not only has it broadened my perspective of the career opportunities available in the field of science, but it has also provided me with a sense of responsibility to make myself and others aware of the ethical issues that play such an important role in scientific discoveries."
• Elizabeth: "This was an interesting program that I will never forget. Seeing the different types of facilities, experiencing the research and engaging in discussions with various scientists helped me see that the combination of science and research is something I might want to pursue in my future. I am glad I was given such a great opportunity!"
• Ryan: "I can't express in words how fortunate I am to have had such an opportunity. I want to thank NJABR for providing me with such an amazing experience. The Summer Fellowship Program was organized perfectly, and each location provided me with helpful information. Not only did I walk away with helpful information that will influence my decision of a future profession, but I also walked away with nine new friends!"
• Dan: "The Fellowship was an unforgettable experience where all nine of us got to know each other very well. We all had the amazing opportunity to meet with many scientists all traveling down different career paths. It made it clear to us how this research benefits the cures of various disease states."

Host institutions for the Fellowship Program included Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth; NJ Center for Ethics Education, Union; the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick; Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, Raritan; Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals, Paramus; Polymerix, Piscataway; Rutgers University in Piscataway and New Brunswick; Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway; Sanofi-Aventis, Bridgewater; and Wyeth Research, Monmouth Junction.

The New Jersey Association for Biomedical Research is the only organization in New Jersey dedicated solely to promoting the improvement of human and animal health through biomedical research. Its membership includes academic institutions, industry, hospitals, voluntary health organizations, and affiliated trade and professional organizations.