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Biotechnology Summer Camps

High School Biotechnology Summer Camp

 

The BRITE Futures High School Biotechnology Summer Camp has been hosted each summer since 2010. It is designed to inspire students and give them insight on identifying careers in science and biotechnology. This camp is hosted at BRITE on the campus of North Carolina Central University. To date, we have hosted more than 15 summer camps, reaching more than 200 students from 10 counties.

Our one-week biotechnology summer camp is hosted for high school students with a genuine interest in science. This camp not only provides students with knowledge of scientific concepts within the NC Standard Course of Study for science courses (e.g., Biology and Chemistry) but also includes instruction in relevant laboratory skills. In addition, students learn about STEM college programs and careers in biotechnology and get to visit a local biotech company to see the application of many of the techniques they will be learning in a real industry-wide setting.

Laboratory experiments that students will perform during this one week camp include:

 

 

Gel

Students learn how electrophoresis can be used to separate biomolecules that vary in size, such as proteins or DNA. Students use micropipettes to prepare samples and then analyze the results upon completion of this experiment.

 

 

Transformation

Students learn how DNA plays an intricate role in central dogma of biology as well as the relevance of genetic modifications and mutations of DNA. Students also learn about the transformation of bacteria and get to perform this experiment.

 

 

Biotechnology summer camp

Students learn how chromatography can be used to separate complex mixtures and to isolate proteins. Students will purify the green fluorescent protein (GFP) using this technique.

 

 

PCR – Crime Scene Investigators

Students learn about polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and how it can be used to analyze DNA. They analyze the experimental results to solve a hypothetical crime scene investigation.

 

 

elisa

Students use micropipettes to perform this technique, which is commonly used for diagnostic purposes in the biomedical and biotechnology industries.

Each experiment acts as a stepping stone that builds upon the next day’s work, requiring students to demonstrate proper laboratory techniques. 

In addition to the hands-on laboratory experiments, students have the opportunity to tour the BRITE research labs and meet with BRITE scientists to hear about current and innovative research projects and ask questions about their training, interests, and work experience.