The Jump Start Program
will invite 100 promising young scientists to participate in a week long summer
science immersion program at the University of Maryland. The program is jointly
sponsored by the College of Chemical and Life Sciences, University of Maryland and the Howard
Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). HHMI supports programs that promote knowledge
of the basic sciences and enhance the training of future biomedical scientists. Students considering a career in
the sciences will have the opportunity to learn the tools of modern life
sciences research and experience the excitement of discovery. In
addition to carrying
out laboratory
investigations, students will participate in seminars and professional development
workshops. The program is free for all participants.
Program Description:
There are three themes planned for the summer 2009 Jump Start Program:
| Biomedical
Science (offered Sessions 1, 2 & 3) | Students will learn how cellular and molecular techniques are changing the way we diagnose and treat disease. The program includes a field trip to the National Museum of Health and Medicine. Due to the intensive nature of this session, we recommend that applicants have completed Advanced Placement biology or the equivalent. |
| Forensic
Science (offered Sessions 1 & 2) | Students will learn modern biological methodologies (including analytical chemistry, entomology, DNA electrophoresis) that are used to solve crimes. |
| Animal
Behavior and Physiology (offered Session 3) | This program will focus on the behavioral and physiological characteristics of animals that allow them to be successful in their respective environments. The program includes a field trip to the National Zoological Park. |
Each one-week session runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day (M-F). Students will have a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, during which they may purchase lunch from one of the many vendors at the Stamp Student Union. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from campus each day; no on-site housing is available.
- Session 1: July 13-17
- Session 2: July 20-24
- Session 3: July 27-31
Who can apply
Participants will be selected on the basis of a personal statement, high school
coursework and grade point average (GPA), SAT or PSAT scores (if available),
and teacher recommendations. Recommendations may come from teachers in
any discipline;
they need not come from science teachers. For the Biomedical Science sessions,
applicants will also be evaluated on the strength of their preparation
in the biological and chemical sciences.
The program is open to high school students who will be entering their junior
or senior year in the fall of 2009 (i.e., those who will graduate in 2010
or
2011). Far more students apply for the program than can be accommodated, so
we are unfortunately unable to consider applications from freshmen and
seniors.
How to apply
Applications consist of:
- An online application form
- A 1-2 page personal statement
addressing one of the following topics:
- Describe a person or pivotal event that helped define your interest in science.
- Tell us about something that stimulates your curiosity. Where has your curiosity led you?
- High school transcript (unofficial photocopy is acceptable)
- Courses in progress and semester grades (if not included on transcript)
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher. Although letters from science teachers are preferred, they are not required.
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COLLEGE OF CHEMICAL & LIFE SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND * COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742 e-mail: HHMI@umd.edu Tel.: 301.405.3353 |