Jump Start 2023

The Jump Start Program will invite 75 rising high school juniors and seniors to participate in a summer science program sponsored by the University of Maryland. The program was initially developed through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and is now sponsored by the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland. 

For 2023, we will offer both virtual and in-person sessions.

Students considering a career in the sciences will have the opportunity to learn the tools and analytical frameworks of modern life sciences research. Students will participate in discussions, case studies, scientific investigations, and professional development workshops. 

SESSION DETAILS

Biomedical Science 1 (in person)

Students will learn about anatomy and physiology and the way in which cellular and molecular techniques are changing the way we understand, diagnose, and treat disease. This session will be held on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. The session will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day (M-F). Students will have a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, during which they may purchase lunch from one of the many vendors at the Stamp Student Union. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from campus each day; no on-site housing is available.

Biomedical Science 2 (virtual)

Students will learn about anatomy and physiology and the way in which cellular and molecular techniques are changing the way we understand, diagnose, and treat disease. In addition, students will collaborate on virtual laboratory activities that will help them understand basic cell and molecular research protocols.

Our Microbial World (virtual)

This session will take you on a guided tour of Earth's invisible realm. There is a rich world of microbes surrounding us, which we cannot see with the naked eye but can be viewed with microscopes or felt by its influence. Some of these microbes are pathogens, specialized to live in or on humans as their host. But not all microbes are bad; in fact, most are not! Microbes have developed unique abilities that allow them to thrive in nearly every available niche, from places like the open ocean to pools of boiling acid. And we rely on them to perform many tasks, such as helping us farm our crops, or oxygenate the air we breathe. In this Jump Start session, we will learn about different microbes and their capabilities. Meanwhile, you will 'design' your own microbe, based on what you learn from the program.

Who can apply

The program is open to high school students who will be entering their junior or senior year in the fall of 2023 (i.e., those who will graduate in 2024 or 2025). Applications from freshmen and seniors will be considered on a space available basis. Please note that in past years, the number of applicants has far exceeded the number of spots in the program, so we have rarely been able to accommodate freshmen and seniors.

Participants will be selected on the basis of a personal statement, high school coursework and grade point average (GPA). No teacher recommendations are required this year.

High school coursework will be evaluated on the strength of preparation in the biological and chemical sciences. All participants must have completed one year of high school Biology. We recommend that participants in the Biomedical Science sessions have completed Advanced Placement Biology or its equivalent and one year of high school Chemistry.

How to apply

• Fill out the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

• Submit a personal statement, totaling no more than 1000 words and submitted as part of the online form, addressing one of the following topics:

  • Describe a person or pivotal event that helped define your interest in science.

  • Tell us about something that stimulates your curiosity. Where has your curiosity led you?

• Attach a high school transcript (unofficial photocopy is acceptable)

• Attach a listing of courses in progress and semester grades (if not included on transcript)

Review of applications will begin March 15. Qualified students will be accepted on a rolling basis through April 15, or until the program fills.

PROGRAM FEE  

The program fee for 2023 is $300 for virtual sessions and $400 for the in person session. This fee helps defray the costs of the program and is required to confirm your participation. All participants will receive readings and a Jump Start t-shirt. Please don’t send any payment with your application. Participants will receive additional information regarding payment of the program fee upon acceptance.

application materials THAT CAN NOT BE UPLOADED WITH THE APPLICATION FORM CAN BE EMAILED to biofire@umd.edu or Mailed to the address below.

Dr. Kaci Thompson, Director
Jump Start Program
1313 Symons Hall
College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742

301-405-2160
biofire@umd.edu