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Molecular Sciences Institute
Center for Genomic Experimentation and Computation
Genomics Research Summer Internships
for High School Juniors and Seniors

The Molecular Sciences Institute in Berkeley, CA offers talented high school juniors and seniors a summer work experience in genomics.

MSI is an independent, nonprofit research laboratory located on Shattuck Avenue above the Berkeley BART station. MSI is committed to training, motivating and mentoring future genomic scientists. Our Genomic Sciences Internship Program provides Bay Area high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a genomics laboratory for eight weeks each summer. These competitive internships are sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute.

MSI combines genomic experimentation with computer modeling. The mission of MSI is to predict the behavior of cells and organisms in response to defined genetic and environmental changes. Progress toward this goal will significantly increase our understanding of biological systems and help catalyze radical changes in how diseases are understood and treated.

These 8-week internships are open to students who are high school juniors or seniors. After receiving a comprehensive introduction to genomics at MSI, students will select a research area and partner with an MSI scientist to complete a research project, written report, and oral presentation. Eighty percent of a student's time will be spent at MSI doing research, learning about the backgrounds of our collaborators during "Meet the Scientists" presentations, participating in genomics workshops, and attending MSI team meetings. Twenty percent of a student's time will be spent on MSI-sponsored scientific enrichment activities and fieldtrips throughout the Bay Area to supplement the student's learning.

Interns are paid. After completing the summer internship, students may also take advantage of ongoing individualized tutoring in science and mathematics provided by MSI throughout the following school year. In addition, MSI will fund SAT preparation courses for the students, if applicable. Interns must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

* * Notice to students and parents regarding the MSI 2006 summer internship program. * *

Due to extraordinary circumstances, the process of selection for this summer was significantly delayed. We have completed the interview and review process and have selected 5 students to participate in the summer institute. There were 116 very well qualified applicants for these positions and the decision was very difficult to make. To those students who have not received an offer, we regret that we could not include you at this time and we encourage those who will still be eligible (Juniors) to re-apply next year.

We apologize for the delay in processing applications and any inconvenience it may have caused you.

Applications for Summer 2006 due by March 10, 2006.

Recommendation Forms must be filled out by two people (counselors, teachers, mentors) on behalf of the applicant.

Please call 510.981.8738 or email internships@molsci.org with questions.

To learn about the talented students who have interned at MSI during past summers, please follow the links below.

MSI Summer Internship 2005 - Michelle Chiu, Krystina Daniels, Ashly Davis, Tonya Love , Bria Selhorst and Adeline Wong

MSI Summer Internship 2004 - Christopher Chan, Omar Narvaez, Allison Roberts, LaKeysha Renae Spears, Xiao-Yu Fu and Irene Wong

MSI Summer Internship 2003 - Scott Coyle, Jermaine Deckard, Jeremy Gordon and Tyra Mcray

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