SummerScience@Jefferson
Jefferson - Virtual Campus
2023 Session
The 2023 SummerScience@Jefferson sessions will be held entirely online.
June 26 – July 25, 2023
COVID-19 Guidance
After careful consideration and consultations with healthcare professionals, our university leadership, faculty and staff, we have decided to continue our SummerScience@Jefferson Summer Program online, on our virtual campus for Summer 2023. We are excited to welcome you to our virtual programs that have been designed to maintain the world-class academics you expect from Jefferson.
Online participation will be limited to 30 students. Students who submit late or incomplete applications to SummerScience@Jefferson 2023 will not be considered for the Program.
Eligibility: Students who will be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Now Accepting Online Applications for the
2023 Virtual Program
JUNE 9, 2023 - Application Deadline
For more detailed information, including costs and payment options:
(accepting major credit cards only)
Innovative science is still ongoing and taking place on Jefferson’s virtual campuses. Through this program — designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors — you can virtually participate in ongoing research projects. Working with Jefferson faculty, partners, postdoctoral scholars, and students, you'll build your proficiency in real-life research practices.
To cap off your experience, we will host our Summer Science Symposium Day, during which you will make formal presentations on a topic that you have researched during the summer program. SummerScience@Jefferson brings together faculty from across our College of Life Sciences programs.
Please note that the SummerScience@Jefferson for the 2023 session will be virtual. Daily computer access is required.
Topics include:
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Forensic Science, & Genetics
Students are introduced to the basics of molecular biology, with an emphasis on the exciting field of Biotechnology, in which they will learn about the human genome and genomics, recombinant DNA technology & cloning, gene expression, and an introduction to gene editing techniques. Laboratory experiences will include techniques such as isolation of genomic DNA, PCR and DNA fingerprinting. Students will also have the opportunity to become immersed into the suspenseful world of forensic science. They will carry out mock criminal investigations as junior forensic scientists, analyzing and solving a variety of cases. These cases will incorporate a wide array of forensic science applications, such as forensic biology to analyze blood and DNA evidence, entomology to use insects to estimate time of death and hair and tire track analysis. Students will be introduced to current gene editing tools, such as the buzz worthy "CRISPR/Cas9" tool. They will learn about CRISPR technology, current uses, and the many ethical considerations surrounding its use and how ethics and regulations must evolve to keep up with the current and fast-paced advances in science.
Cell Biology & Neuroscience
Students are introduced to the basic facts of cell biology, including cell morphology and physiology. Students also study the morphology of cancer cells in comparison to normal healthy cells and learn about apoptosis (programmed cell death) and how cancer cells evade this phenomenon. Laboratory experiences include basics of cell culture and an introduction to stem cell culture. They are also introduced to the unique story of HeLa cells and how these immortal cells have contributed to many scientific advances all over the world, from the development of the polio vaccine to testing the effects of zero gravity on humans in space! Students will also be introduced to the field of Neuroscience and its core component, "the brain" and how its study can occur at multiple levels, from molecular synapses and cellular networks to cognition and behavior.
Anatomy & Molecular Mechanisms of Disease,
Cancer Biology, Microbiology & Immunology
Students are introduced to the etiology and pathogenesis of various diseases such as cancer and emerging infectious diseases such as the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever and Zika Virus. Exploration of the mechanisms of diseases will focus on microbes, genetics, environmental factors, and an introduction to epigenetics. Laboratory experiences include an introduction to immunohistochemistry and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to diagnose infections such as HIV, ABO blood typing, Gram straining, and evaluating bacteria for antimicrobial sensitivity.
To be added to the mailing list for SummerScience@Jefferson program information, please email La'Verne Webb.