From left to right: Zarinet González Santini, Margarita Flores Hernández, Amanda Hernández, Norberto Cardenales Cardona, Raúl Negrón Torres, Crystal del Mar Torres González, Noelia Carrasquillo Félix, Gaviota M. Morales Serrano, Maída L. Rivera Medina, Christian Ortiz Cintrón, Lilliam Z. Martinez Rubert, Valeria García Ortiz, Jerry Bermúdez Rosado, Zoelis Vega Vega, José J. Rosado Franco, Zugeily Ortiz Luna, Arayoán Vergara Mojica, Emmanuel Vázquez García.
The third BREP Summer Internship Program was held during June 6-10, 2005 at the UPR, Medical Science Campus. Eighteen students and four teachers, from fifteen different middle schools from the Island, participated in the Internship. The students were recommended by science teachers who participate in BREP's Professional Development Program. This year's agenda included conferences, visits to specialized laboratories, as well as hands-on laboratory experiences. Basic and clinical researchers, as well as technical staff from the Medical Sciences Campus volunteered to participate in the different activities. Lectures were given in topics such as laboratory safety, careers in biomedical sciences, use of animals in research, and human subject studies. The students conducted experiments in which they learned how to perform DNA extractions and molecular separations by thin layer chromatography. They also utilized the microscope as a discovery tool and participated as subjects in a "mock" clinical study. Through interactive activities they learned how to apply the scientific method in solving daily problems and the importance of nutrition and exercise to protect the heart.
Students doing experiments
As in previous years, the Summer Internship activities were designed to increase the interest of the students in pursuing a career in biomedical science, especially in those fields that are related to the study of diseases that disproportionately affect Hispanic communities.
Students talking and receiving certificates
The Summer Internship concluded with an evaluation activity, brief testimonies by the students, and the distribution of Certificates of Accomplishment by Dr. Emma Fernández-Repollet, Principal Investigator and Vice President of Research and Technology of the University of Puerto Rico.
Students with Felipe and Odalis
We thank the students for their outstanding participation, the teachers for their recommendations and support, and the Medical Sciences Campus volunteers for sharing with the students their expertise and enthusiasm for biomedical research. A special acknowledgement to BREP Staff members: Mr. Felipe Padilla and Ms. Odalis García Colón, for their dedication and commitment to the students. We look forward to the next BREP Summer Internship Program!
