Program Overview

STEM in Action Program

Program Overview

The STEM in Action program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to experience how scientific discoveries are translated into products that benefit society. The program features one-week online tracks in the biological sciences and engineering.

Program Details

Format

• Online
• Start Dates: June 16 and July 7
• Duration: 1 week
• Application Deadline: May 15
• Application/Registration Fee: $25 / $75
• Open to High School Students: No

2025 Tracks

Session 1 (June 16 – June 20)

• Drug Discovery I (DD I)
  • Explore the drug discovery process and mechanism of action of different drugs in the fields of neurology, oncology, and others.
  • Learn about drug development and approval processes as well as their relation with different disease states.
  • Activities will involve developing and pitching a new drug molecule.
• Medical Device Development (MDD)
  • Introduction to the medical device industry and product development.
  • Work in teams to explore medical device concepts.
  • Projects will be supported by faculty advisors and daily workshops such as design, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.

Session 2 (July 7 – July 11)

• Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering (BPE)
  • Gain an overview of manufacturing biopharmaceutical drugs.
  • Learn about the application of fundamental knowledge in science/engineering to save lives.
  • Discuss various aspects of biopharmaceutical drug manufacturing via case studies and team projects.
• Biotech Industry Careers (BIC)
  • Explore career opportunities in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors.
  • Collaborate with peers to delve into foundational concepts spanning business, innovation, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Enriching career mentorship from distinguished faculty and seasoned industry stalwarts.
• Drug Discovery II (DD II)
  • Explore the drug discovery process and mechanism of action of different drugs in the fields of neurology, oncology, and others.
  • Learn about drug development and approval processes as well as their relation with different disease states.
  • Activities will involve developing and pitching a new drug molecule.
• Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
  • Learn how to explore the genetic code using breakthrough technology called Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
  • Teams of students will delve into specific NGS applications, focused on personalized cancer treatment, diagnosis of inherited disorders, and infectious disease diagnosis.
• Population Health (POPH)
  • Intensive exploration of the rapidly-emerging field of population health.
  • Use geographic mapping tools to quantify health disparities, social determinants of health, and other upstream factors linked to poor outcomes.
  • Teams of students will be assigned a particular city and health condition to study.
• Public Health and Virology (PHV)
  • Introduction to the complex characteristics of viruses and viral infections.
  • Explore the role of prophylactic vaccines to reduce suffering and number of deaths inflicted by viruses.

Who Should Apply

The STEM in Action program is appropriate for motivated undergraduate students majoring in biology, chemistry, engineering, business/social sciences, or related disciplines.

How to Apply

• Online application form required
• Additional requirements:
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume
  • Transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be submitted for evaluation purposes)
• Application Fee: $25 (waivers available upon request)

Application Review

Applications will be reviewed holistically, with great emphasis on the personal statement.