UChicago Research in the Biological Sciences: Summer Program (RIBS)

Opportunity Description:


This four-week intensive summer research program for high school students is designed to expose students to a broad range of molecular, microbiological, and cellular biological techniques currently used in research laboratories. Within the session, students will be immersed in the research experience, giving them a taste of life at the bench. Using a project-based approach, the course progresses from a survey of basic lab techniques to the application of current molecular techniques in developmental biology and microbiology. Most of a typical RIBS day is spent in lab. Lectures will provide background and introduce new concepts. Since communication skills are important in science, students will keep lab notebooks and they will make several group presentations. The course ends with a research forum in which the students present the results of their projects.

Successful completion of the course gives participants the experience and confidence to work in a research laboratory. On a space-available basis, students who excel in the program are invited back the following year to work in the lab of a University of Chicago research scientist.

Primary Responsibilities: 

The course ends with a research poster session in which the students present the results of their projects (followed by a farewell lunch).  Successful completion of the course will give participants the experience and confidence to work in a research laboratory.  On a space available basis, several students will be invited back the following year to work in the lab of a University of Chicago research scientist.  

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Must be a current undergraduate student at the University of Chicago.

Application Process: 

For more information on this opportunity, please contact: