The vision of the Max and Minnie Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy is to provide an immersive biomedical research education and college preparatory program for San Antonio high school students.  The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy will partner the very best high school freshman students from the San Antonio and surrounding school districts with outstanding biomedical scientists from the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio to promote excellence in scholarship and biomedical research training for a 3 year period. In year 1, the Academy will consist of an immersive hands-on 7-week summer research program, in addition to participation in a number of special research oriented activities throughout the academic year.   In years 2 and 3, students will participate in an 8-10 week, faculty-mentored research experience.  Students will be supported through stipends during the summers of the program and parental involvement is also required.  The 7-week program will begin on June 16, 2010.  Application deadline is February 1, 2010

For more information, visit the website here.

Contact:  Dr. Sophia Pina - pina@uthscsa.edu, 210-567-3984

or Dr. Irene Chapa - chapai@uthscsa.edu, 210-567-3941

A year-round program for high school,college, premed, or pre-PhD students designed to provide an intensive, hands-on, discovery-rich, creative and interdisciplinary research experience.  This is a unique experience in learning and interdisciplinary research, with senior investigators serving as mentors and role models.  Trainees will have opportunities to work in one of three broad areas:  immunology, molecular pathogenesis, or genetics/clinical epidemiology.  Current areas of investigation are HIV/AIDS, atherosclerosis, bone disease, neurobiology, lupus, and alcoholism.  For inquiries contact Dr. Sunil Ahuja, along with an updated resume/CV including GPA, a personal statement, and a note about long-term goals via email.

Contact: Dr. Sunil Ahuja, ahujas@uthscsa.edu

This class is only open to students in the San Antonio Northside ISD students who have completed PreAP Chemistry, have at least one year of high school remaining, and are willing to commit to an 8-hour-a-day research assignment for 8 weeks in June and July.  Teacher recommendations and a student essay are required for the application.  Applications are accepted during the spring term for placement in the summer program.  Selected students will be assigned a mentor from the faculty at UTHSCSA.  The students will meet once a week as a class to discuss the research process and are expected to keep a lab journal, write research abstracts, and present their research to the class at the end of the summer.  Students will present their research both orally and written to their home school during the ensuing school year.  Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive an elective honors science research credit.  No stipend is provided.

Contact: Roy Baldwin, Director, roybaldwin@nisd.net