Project Biotech
Shoreline Community College's Biotechnology Lab opens its doors to high school students for week-long explorations of biotechnology and DNA sequencing!
What students are saying about PROJECT BIOTECH
My entire perspective of science was altered; I found myself able to actually imagine working in a lab, or in a STEM-related field.
- 2018 "Biotechnology & Cancer" Camper
This camp helped open my mind to the different jobs that involve biotech. Everything was super fun, from the labs to the tours of biotech companies. I definitely recommend this to anyone interested in biology & biotech
- 2018 "Biotechnology & Cancer" Camper
"I am amazed at the amount of knowledge that these campers have obtained over the course of just one week! My camper absolutely loved the program this week and every night shared with us all of the details of the day, highlighting what was learned.
- Parent of 2018 "Biotechnology Essentials & Beyond" Camper
What is PROJECT BIOTECH?
- Are you interested in learning more about the field of biotechnology?
- Want to know what scientists actually DO in the lab?
Then join us for week-long experiences in Shoreline's state-of-the-art Biotechnology Lab!
2019 Summer Camps
Registration for 2019 PROJECT BIOTECH summer camps will open in February, 2019. Those on our mailing list are notified by email when registration is available. If you are not currently on our mailing list and would like to be, please email Dr. Dina Kovarik, Chair of the Biotechnology Lab Specialist Program at dkovarik@shoreline.edu.
Download our current camp flier!
Each camp can accept only 24 students so early registration is encouraged. Applications from current 8th through 11th graders will be reviewed immediately. 12th grade student applications will be reviewed after June 15th if there are camp openings available.
Camp dates and topics are listed below. Additional details about camp content will be posted as they become available.
If cost is a prohibiting factor in your ability to attend this camp, funding may be available for you. Please email Dr. Dina Kovarik (dkovarik@shoreline.edu) for more information.
Please note that camp dates have changed to accommodate school closures resulting from unprecedented snow and ice during February, 2019
Week 1: July 8-12, 2019 - Biotechnology Essentials & Beyond
This camp is currently full. We are accepting applications for the Wait List.
Biotechnology is a diverse field that includes tools and techniques that are used in all fields of biology. This camp is designed for rising freshmen and sophomores or students with little biotechnology experience and includes micropipetting; DNA purification, PCR and sequence analysis used to identify species; making a genetically modified organism (GMO); and visits with scientists from the Puget Sound area. This camp is designed for rising freshman, rising sophomores, and campers of any age interested in basic biotechnology training.
Molecular biology and biotechnology skills development including:
- Micropipetting
- DNA Purification & DNA Sequencing
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Discussions with Scientists
- Using computers to view macromolecules & analyzing DNA data for genetic testing
Week 2: July 22-26, 2019 - Biotechnology & Infectious Disease: Tracking Hantavirus in Washington State
This camp is currently full. We are accepting applications for the Wait List.
Many of us are familiar with infectious diseases like influenza and HIV, but few Washingtonians know that Hantavirus is present throughout our state and can cause severe disease symptoms – even death – in those exposed to the virus. Transmitted through the saliva, urine and feces of infected rodents, Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease, a disease transmitted to people by animals. This camp provides hands-on lab and computer activities like those researchers use to study infectious disease outbreaks, including diagnostic tools (ELISAs and Western blots), and sequence analysis of New World Hantavirus (found in the United States) and Old World Hantavirus (found in much of the rest of the world). This camp will also include tours of local research institutions near downtown Seattle and is designed for rising juniors and seniors, PROJECT BIOTECH camp alumni, or other students with more biotechnology experience.
Molecular biology and biotechnology skills development including:
- Advanced lab techniques to diagnose & treat disease: outbreak investigations, SDS-PAGE, Western blots & ELISAs
- Biotech company and research institution tours in Seattle
- Career panel and discussions with scientists
- Biotechnology & human health career exploration
Week 3: August 5-9, 2019 - Biotechnology & Cancer: Causes, Cures, Careers
Why do some mutations in our DNA lead to cancer, but others do not? How does biotechnology help doctors diagnose different types of cancer and customize treatments for each patient? The camp provides hands-on lab and computer activities that will demonstrate how DNA- and protein-based assays like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and ELISAs are used in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer. This camp will also include tours of research institutions and companies in the area and is designed for rising juniors and seniors, PROJECT BIOTECH camp alumni, or other students with more biotechnology experience.
Molecular biology and biotechnology skills development including:
- Genetic mutations which can result in cancer
- Bioinformatics relevant to cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Lab assays for DNA and protein analysis
- Tour of biotech companies or UW research labs
- Career panel and discussions with scientists
2018 Summer Camps Highlights
Our 2018 PROJECT BIOTECH summer camp season ended Friday, July 29, 2018. We held three camps:
- Week 1: Biotechnology Essentials & Beyond (June 25-29, 2018)
- Week 2: Biotechnology & Infectious Disease: Tracking Pandemic Flu (July 9-13, 2018)
- Week 3: Biotechnology & Cancer: Causes, Cures and Careers (July 23-27, 2018)
For highlights of our the 2018 camps, please click the video links below.
Thank you to our 2019 camp sponsors!
Seed Intellectual Property Law Group LLP * Covance
SystImmune, Inc * bluebird bio
Shoreline Central Market
Thermo Fisher Scientific
For sponsorship information, please view our sponsorship packages and contact Dr. Reitha Weeks, Camp Program Coordinator, at reithaweeks@gmail.com.
Thank you to our past donors and sponsors:
The Norcliffe Foundation
ZymoGenetics, A Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Seattle Genetics * Novo Nordisk * CellGene
Juno Therapeutics
AGC Biologics
Aptevo Therapeutics * Pacific Northwest Research Institute
Alturas Analytics * Covance * NanoString Technologies * Seed Intellectual Property
Law Group, LLP
SystImmune * Amgen Biotech Experience * Shoreline Central Market