Program Overview

The Molecular Medicine Summer Immersion Program is a two-week, full-day summer experience designed for motivated high school students who are curious about how modern medicine is built on molecular and cellular science. The program integrates hands-on laboratory training with interactive lectures to demonstrate how diseases develop at the molecular level and how scientific discoveries are translated into real medical therapies.

Hosted on the University of Houston main campus, the program allows students to move beyond textbooks and engage directly with the tools, techniques, and reasoning used in biomedical research. Through guided experiments, live demonstrations, and small-group discussions, students learn how scientists investigate disease mechanisms and design new treatments. Students also participate in structured career conversations with pre-medical, medical, and graduate students, gaining firsthand insight into academic pathways, training experiences, and career planning in medicine and biomedical science.

Participants work closely with university professors, researchers, and trained mentors in a supportive learning environment that emphasizes curiosity, safety, and scientific thinking. Students collaborate in small teams to plan experiments, analyze data, and present their findings during a final presentation showcase, gaining confidence and practical insight into careers in medicine, biology, and biomedical research.

Credentialing Overview

Students who successfully complete the program will receive:

• Official Certificate of Completion issued by the program
• Formal laboratory biosafety training, including safe handling of biological materials and proper use of personal protective equipment
• Documented exposure to core biomedical laboratory techniques, suitable for inclusion on academic resumes and future program applications
• Awards and recognition presented during the final showcase for creativity, teamwork, and scientific curiosity
• Eligibility for a faculty letter of recommendation for college applications, offered on a selective basis to students who demonstrate exceptional performance, engagement, and professionalism during the program

Program Schedule

The Molecular Medicine Summer Immersion Program is offered in two identical sessions.

Each session follows the same curriculum, laboratory activities, mentorship opportunities, and instructional schedule.

Session 1: July 6 - July 17, 2026

Session 2: July 20 - July 31, 2026

Schedule: Weekdays, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Each session is limited to 20 students to ensure close mentorship.

Daily Structure

• Interactive lectures on disease mechanisms and therapeutic design
• Guided laboratory sessions focused on molecular and cellular techniques
• Group discussions and troubleshooting sessions
• Career pathway discussion with pre-medical, medical, and graduate students
• Final week presentation preparation and showcase

Laboratory Skills Covered

Students will gain hands-on experience with:

• Laboratory biosafety and sterile technique
• Mammalian cell culture, cell counting, and viability assessment
• Transient gene delivery into mammalian cells
• Fluorescence microscopy to observe gene expression
• Bacterial culture and recombinant strain amplification
• Inducible recombinant protein expression
• Protein purification using affinity-based methods
• Protein analysis by electrophoresis
• Experimental documentation, multi-day planning, and basic troubleshooting

Tuition and Pricing

Program Tuition

• Early Registration (before May 1, 2026): $1,600
• Standard Registration (after May 1, 2026): $1,800

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Before May 31, 2026: Full refund of tuition, minus a $100 administrative fee.
• June 1 – June 15, 2026: 50% refund of tuition.
• After June 15, 2026: No refunds can be issued, as program materials and staffing are finalized.
• If a session must be canceled by the university (e.g., due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrollment), all tuition payments will be fully refunded.

Tuition Includes

• All instructional sessions and laboratory materials
• Full access to university laboratory facilities and equipment
• Daily snacks and refreshments
• Official program T-shirt, lab coat, and safety goggles
• Certificate of Completion and awards ceremony
• Faculty and mentor guidance throughout the program

Lunch Policy

• Monday-Thursday: Students bring their own lunch
• Friday: Lunch is provided at Moody Towers Dining Commons (buffet style)

Eligibility

The Molecular Medicine Summer Immersion Program is open to motivated high school students aged 15–18 with a strong interest in science, medicine, or biomedical research.

Applicants Should:

• Be at least 15 years old by the program start date
• Demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and enthusiasm for science
• Be willing to fully participate in laboratory activities, group discussions, and presentations
• Have completed at least one high school-level biology or chemistry course
  (recommended but not required)

No prior laboratory experience is necessary. All students are guided through experiments in a safe, structured, and supportive environment designed to welcome learners from diverse academic backgrounds.

Available Options:

• Early Registration (before May 1, 2026): $1,600
• Standard Registration (after May 1, 2026): $1,800