Project Biotech

What students are saying about PROJECT BIOTECH

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! 

2021 and 2022 Summer Camps

We are saddened to announce that PROJECT BIOTECH camps for Summer 2021 have been canceled due to the on-going COVID-19 panedmic.

Those on our mailing list will be notified by email when registration for 2022 is available. If you are not currently on our mailing list and would like to be, please email Dr. Dina Kovarik,  Biotechnology Lab Specialist Program, at dkovarik@shoreline.edu.

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.

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) or Dr. Reitha Weeks (reithaweeks@gmail.com), PROJECT BIOTECH Camp Coordinator, for more information.

Week 1: July 2022 (Dates TBD) - Biotechnology Essentials & Beyond

Biotechnology is a diverse field that includes tools and techniques that are used in all fields of biology. This camp includes micropipetting; DNA purification, PCR and sequence analysis used to identify species (also called "DNA Barcoding"); 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.  This camp also provides all of the training needed for subsequent camps.

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 species identification and genetic testing

Week 2: July 2022 and Week 3: August 2022 - Dates and Camp Topics TBD, but may include one or both of the following:

1. Biotechnology & Orca Conservation:

Orcas (also known as Killer Whales or Orcinus orca) are an iconic species central to the ecosystem and culture of the Pacific Northwest. In recent years, our Southern Resident Orcas have faced great challenges to their long-term survival, including food insecurity and stress from boat and ship traffic in the Puget Sound. In order to help them survive, we must understand the greatest threats to their health. Analyzing scat provides an opportunity to evaluate Orca health in a non-invasive way without adding to their stress. In addition to learning many techniques associated with scat studies and how to evaluate the health of the Puget Sound food web, campers will also be able to meet with the scientists at the University of Washington engaged in this cutting-edge and vital research. This camp will also include tours of other research labs at the University of Washington 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 analyze Orca health: Polymerase Chain Reaction, SDS-PAGE, Western blots & ELISAs
• Research lab tours at the University of Washington
• Career panel and discussions with scientists
• Biotechnology & career exploration

2. Biotechnology & Cancer: Causes, Cures and Careers:

Campers will learn about cancer biology using a case studies of breast cancer patients to explore how Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), genetic testing (bioinformatics), and Fluorescent Cell Staining are used to diagnose cancer, determine the cause of a particular cancer, and develop targeted therapies to treat cancer. Campers will also learn about the cell cycle, tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, how mutations in genes involved in DNA repair or cell division can cause cancer, and how antibodies are used as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools. 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: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
• Career panel and discussions with scientists

2019 Summer Camps Highlights

Our 2019 PROJECT BIOTECH summer camp season ended in August, 2019.  We held three camps:

• Week 1: Biotechnology Essentials & Beyond
• Week 2: Biotechnology & Infectious Disease: Tracking Pandemic Flu
• Week 3: Biotechnology & Cancer: Causes, Cures and Careers

For highlights of our the 2019 camps, please click the video links below. 

Thank you to our 2020-2022 camp sponsors!

 

  

        

Seed Intellectual Property Law Group LLP * bluebird bio * Altasciences

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 * Thermo Fisher Scientific