TechLeaders
Summer 2023 Programs || Open to Students Entering Grades 9-12
July 24-28 - all programs full
TechLeaders C. Participants in this program will choose a single, in-depth, weeklong project focused on cryopreservation (cell preservation), computer science and biology (bioinformatics), molecular dynamics, or transportation engineering. All levels of experience welcome!
- Regenerative Medicine: The Cryopreservation Project (Cell Preservation) - Program FULL, Waitlist Only - Regenerative medicine has the potential to fully repair damaged tissues and organs. The cells and tissues used for this repair often need to be stored long term, frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C, a process called cryopreservation. In this program, cryopreservation will be explained, demonstrated and current methods and their limitations will be discussed. Cryopreservation in nature will also be explored. In addition to regenerative medicine and cryopreservation, this program will also reinforce basic chemistry and biochemistry concepts, such as the properties of cells, water, freezing point depression, protein structure and function. This program is offered at no cost to participants. All levels welcome!
- Regenerative Medicine: The Bioinformatics Project - Program FULL, Waitlist Only - In this program, participants will focus on bioinformatics – the use of computer science to answer biological questions. Bioinformatics is a relatively new and growing discipline that uses computers and databases to answer biological and biomedical questions. Participants will explore how to do biochemistry with a computer, as well as learn about proteins, DNA, RNA and entire genomes. This program is offered at no cost to participants. All levels welcome!
- Regenerative Medicine: The Molecular Dynamics Project - Program FULL, Waitlist Only -Molecular dynamics involves the use of computers to put motion to molecules. This week-long program will teach students how molecules are put together and how they interact. Students will learn how to build and view molecules using a variety of hands-on methods, including virtual reality. Campers will expand their understanding of molecular geometry, bonding, structure, and dynamics, which are key factors in further developing “visuospatial” thinking. This program is offered at no cost to participants. All levels welcome!
- Transportation Engineering - Program FULL, Waitlist Only - How do you get to school, work, or other places most days? We would bet its by walking or driving on a paved or maintained road that was carefully planned out by a group of engineers. Have you ever thought about what it takes to maintain, repair, and update the transportation infrastructure around you? With replacement costs into the trillions, it is critical that we explore various material and structural innovations that can improve the longevity of our bridges and roadways. Campers in this project will be introduced to fundamental concepts of structural and bridge design, compositional designs of concrete and asphalt, as well as construction processes. Through a series of hands-on activities, fundamentals of structural and materials designs will be introduced and impacts of transportation engineering on daily lives and commerce will be reinforced. This program is offered at no cost to participants. All levels welcome!
Enrollment in sponsored (no cost) projects will be limited to one sponsored project per camper in order to ensure these program spots go to as many students as possible. All levels of experience are encouraged to apply!
The regenerative medicine projects are part of a broader workforce development initiative at UNH called NH CREATES, which is focused on regenerative medicine and biofabrication and funded by a National Institutes of Health Science Education Partnership grant. Students will be working alongside teacher participants also learning about regenerative medicine and how to incorporate it into their classrooms. All necessary COVID-19 health & safety protocols will be followed.