Research at Fox Chase »Pre-Graduate Research Programs »High School Student Scientist Program

Thank you for your interest in this course. The application period is now closed but check our website for the course to be offered in the future.

The Spring 2013 course will focus on the effects of chemotherapy treatments on normal tissues.  Under this theme, students will learn basic laboratory techniques and conceptual skills including experimental design and analysis, the cellular basis for cancer, and statistical analysis, as well as gaining an appreciation for the importance of working together as a team to address a significant biomedical problem.  The course will provide students with the comprehensive training required to function safely in research laboratories, expose them to cancer research, and educate them about cancer and cancer treatment. 

Two sections of the 10-week course will be offered on Saturdays from mid-April through June, with each section comprised of 6 students and 2 high school teachers.  The course will take place in our newly designated Fox Chase Cancer Center Teaching Laboratory in the Reimann Building at Fox Chase Cancer Center. 

Upon completion of the Technical and Conceptual Introduction to Cancer Research Course, students who were outstanding performers with the motivation to pursue independent research will be invited to conduct a full-time summer research project under the supervision of an FCCC faculty mentor.  The host lab will supervise the student in all aspects of the project, and a poster session will be conducted at the end of the summer to give students opportunities to present their work.

Course Requirements for Students:

1. Students MUST be 16 years old by April 1, 2013 to participate.
2. Completion of high school Biology and Chemistry courses are required (one of these courses may be concurrent).
3. Students must commit to attend all 10 weeks of this highly competitive program.  The first session of the course will be April 13, 2013 with sessions ending June 22, 2013.  No class will be offered on May 25, 2013 due to the Memorial Day holiday.  Sessions are 3 hours: 
   1. Section 1 will run from 8:30am-11:30am.
   2. b. Section 2 will run from 12pm-3pm.
4. Parental consent is required (please see application)

The Application Process:

1. Student Application [DOC]
   Submit a completed application by no later than midnight on February 28, 2013.  Applications may be emailed to Holly.Gillin@fccc.edu, sent by fax (215-728-3574) or by mail to:
   
   FCCC High School Training Program
   Attn:  Holly Gillin
   333 Cottman Avenue
   Philadelphia, PA 19111
2. Applications will be reviewed by a 12-member selection committee.  Approximately 24 students will be selected for on-site interviews with members of the selection committee in early March.  Following the interviews, twelve students will be selected for participation in the course.

Course Requirements for Teachers:

1. Commitment to attend all 10 weeks of the course. The first session of the course will be April 13, 2013 with sessions ending June 22, 2013.  No class will be offered on May 25, 2013 due to the Memorial Day holiday.  Sessions are 3 hours: 
   1. Section 1 will run from 8:30am-11:30am
   2. Section 2 will run from 12pm-3pm
2. Interest in science education and in using the materials from the course in the classroom or science clubs.

The Application Process:

1. Teacher Application [DOC]
   Submit a completed application form including a statement of interest describing how this course will benefit your science, educational opportunities at your school, and other reasons for your interest.  The application deadline is midnight on February 28, 2013.  Applications may be emailed to Holly.Gillin@fccc.edu, sent by fax (215-728-3574) or by mail to:
   
   FCCC High School Training Program
   Attn:  Holly Gillin
   333 Cottman Avenue
   Philadelphia, PA 19111
2. Applications will be reviewed by a 12-member selection committee.  Teachers will be selected for on-site interviews in early March.  Following the interviews, four teachers will be selected for participation in the course.