Cohort Six, Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology program, pairs high school and college women as near-peer mentors and connects them with diverse professionals from STEM careers in Maryland and across the greater Washington, DC area, with a focus on the biomedical and biotechnology fields.

This fast-paced, hybrid program introduces high school and college women to biotechnology jobs, in an all-female cohort environment. Students will get hands-on laboratory experiences and meet female luminaries from all across the spectrum of STEM careers. Mentors lead high school participants through career and hands-on investigation activities while developing relationships to help support each other as they pursue their STEM goals.

Cohort Six, Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology, begins on April 15, 2023. Students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of programming (virtual or in-person) to receive a certificate of completion, pick and choose sessions that work for your schedule. 

This Program is Open To:

• College students: Student currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college
• High School students: Must have completed 9^th grade by June 2023
• Individuals who identify as female, cisgender, transgender, and non-binary
• Priority will be given to those from groups underrepresented in STEM careers, including Black, Latina, and Native American women, as well as military connected students.

What will you do in the Emerging Leaders Program?

• Meet strong women who are kicking butt and taking names in STEM fields
• Learn lab skills + techniques that will set you apart when applying to college and that first job
• Practice “soft skills” like making connections and public speaking, which are in super high demand in science jobs
• Learn about STEM careers, internships, and scholarships
• Build friendships with college and high school women who have similar interests
• Get a completion certificate to add to your college application or résumé

Registration for Cohort 6 is now closed. Thank you for expressing interest. To learn more about Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology and our other programs, contact Benedetta Naglieri. 

What will you get out of this program? Hear from our Cohort One participants on what they thought!

What to Expect as a Participant

The program consists of multiple events. Participants must complete 15 hours to earn a completion certificate.

Bi-weekly virtual workshops (April 15 – June 10, 2023) (7.5 hours)

Virtual sessions will highlight keynote speakers from industry, research, and the Department of Defense and workshops to develop career readiness skills.  Virtual sessions for all participants will be held Saturdays, 11AM-12:30PM, via Zoom.

• Virtual sessions will be held on the following dates: April 15, April 29, May 13, June 3, June 10 

Laboratory Course Refresher (May and June 2023) (1.5 hours)

An in-person laboratory session to help students prepare for the summer lab course by familiarizing them to laboratory techniques in biotechnology including micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, and using restriction enzymes. This optional session is designed for students who want to participate in the summer course but have not had much experience in biotechnology.

DATES and TIMES: Saturdays 9:30AM – 11:00AM

April 22: Baltimore City, Maryland

May 20: Anne Arundel County, Maryland

June 17: Montgomery County, Maryland

Laboratory Intensive Course (July & August 2023) (16 hours)

A two-week, in-person laboratory course will focus on building research and laboratory skills. During the lab, students will explore CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and genetic engineering. Students will gain expertise in transformation, CRISPR, gel electrophoresis, synthetic biology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

DATES and TIMES: In person sessions will be held Tuesday -Fridays from 9:30AM- 11:30AM.

• Montgomery County, Maryland Laboratory Intensive

• • Dates: July 11 – 14; July 18 – 21
  • Location: AstraZeneca Campus, Gaithersburg, MD

• Anne Arundel, Maryland Laboratory Intensive

• • Dates: July 11 – 14; July 18 – 21
  • Location: TBD

• Baltimore City, Maryland Laboratory Intensive

• • Dates: July 25 – 28; August 1 – 4
  • Location: Morgan State University; Baltimore, MD

All participants are expected to:

• Actively participate in at least 15 hours to receive a certificate of completion
• Have their cameras on during virtual workshops
• Be on time for both virtual and in person sessions
• Complete homework assignments in a timely manner

College student (mentor) additional info:

• Mentors are required to attend virtual orientation.
• Mentors will receive a stipend of $500
  • Stipends will be split and received in the middle and at the end of the program
  • Mentors must meet 15 hours to receive a complete stipend
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to receive a stipend
  • Service hours available upon request

 High school participant info:

• To receive a certificate of completion, participants must actively participate for at least 15 hours
• Students must commit to having their camera on for all virtual small group sessions
• High school participants will receive a $200 travel stipend at the end of the program

Please feel free to contact program manager Dr. Benedetta Naglieri with any questions.