Advanced Biotech Academy

Advanced Biotech Academy is a 1-week, premier summer program for rising 11th- and 12th-grade students and graduating seniors who completed Biotech Academy 2024. Through hands-on experience in the realm of biotechnology, participants will deepen their skills while solving real-world health challenges. Join us for an unforgettable week of discovery, innovation, and career exploration! To ensure secure access to the application, a password will be emailed to all students who completed Biotech Academy 2024. Please use this password to log in and complete your application.

STEM Advanced Biotech Camp

About Advanced Biotech Academy

Advanced Biotech Academy is an exclusive, immersive summer program designed for rising 11th graders through graduating seniors who have completed Biotech Academy and are eager to deepen their knowledge of biotechnology. This weeklong experience builds on foundational skills, introducing participants to advanced concepts and cutting-edge techniques at the intersection of epidemiology, vaccine development, and cancer research.

Throughout the week, students will engage in hands-on experiments that simulate real-world biotechnological challenges. They’ll tackle a simulated disease outbreak, calculate disease transmissibility and lethality, and explore the science behind vaccines, including precision pipetting and an interactive vaccine activity.

In the latter part of the program, participants will focus on cancer research. From analyzing genetic mutations to using laboratory techniques like gel electrophoresis and ELISA, students will conduct independent case studies to diagnose and recommend treatments for hypothetical cancer patients. They’ll also explore the differences between monogenic and polygenic factors in disease, calculate polygenic risk scores for breast cancer, and discuss how these insights are shaping personalized medicine.

More than just experiments, Advanced Biotech Academy fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and innovation. With mentoring opportunities and the chance to explore potential careers, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of biotechnology’s role in solving today’s most pressing health challenges.

Get ready for an extraordinary week of discovery, exploration, and innovation at Advanced Biotech Academy—where tomorrow’s biotech leaders take their next steps.

 

CAMP DATES

July 21-25

LOCATION

UAB Chemistry Building, 901 14th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

ELIGIBILITY

Students must be rising 11th- or 12th-grade students, or graduating seniors, that completed Biotech Academy 2024.

REGISTRATION

Registration for Advanced Biotech Academy will open February 10th to students that completed Biotech Academy 2024 and received a password for registration.

COST

The registration fee for Advanced Biotech Academy is $50. This helps cover the cost of activity materials & supplies, lunch, and a t-shirt.

DEADLINE

Registration for Advanced Biotech Academy will close on May 12, or when all spots are filled, whichever comes first.

QUESTIONS

Please send questions to stem@southernresearch.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend Advanced Biotech Academy?

Only students who have successfully completed Biotech Academy 2024 are eligible to apply and attend Advanced Biotech Academy.

What is the password for the Advanced Biotech Academy application?

A password will be emailed to all students who completed Biotech Academy 2024. If you completed Biotech Academy 2024 and did not receive a password, please email stem@southernresearch.org.

What is the cost of Advanced Biotech Academy?

The registration fee is $50.

Is the registration fee refundable?

Yes. If your student can no longer attend, full refunds are available for cancellations no less than two weeks before the registered week of Advanced Biotech Academy. No refunds will be issued for no-shows or cancellations within 2 weeks of the date of the event.

I would love to attend, but I cannot afford the $50 fee. Are there scholarships available?

Yes, there are! Please contact Shon Essex at dessex@southernresearch.org, subject line: "Advanced Biotech Academy Scholarship" for more information.

What are the hours of Advanced Biotech Academy?

The active hours of the camp are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students may be dropped off as early as 8:00 a.m. each day and must be picked up by 3:00 p.m.

Will lunch be provided?

Yes. We will provide lunch and each day of the camp.

Where will Advanced Biotech Academy be held?

Advanced Biotech Academy will be held at the UAB Chemistry Building, 901 14th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Do you provide transportation?

No, we do not provide transportation. We encourage you to carpool if you are able.

Can I attend with a friend or sibling?

Yes. Each participating student must complete the Eventbrite registration to secure a spot in Advanced Biotech Academy. Please be sure to register for the same week.

I am currently in 10th grade, can I apply?

Yes. We are accepting current 10th grade students who will be in 11th grade in the 2025-2026 school year.

I am a graduating senior, can I apply?

Yes. We are accepting students who are graduating from high school in May 2025.

How do I know if my registration went through?

If filled out correctly, you should receive a copy of your registration via email. This email will contain your "ticket" to attend Advanced Biotech Academy. If you did not receive a confirmation email or message, please email stem@southernresearch.org.