Summer Immersion Program

The George Washington University’s (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (BLS) Department plans to hold the annual Laboratory Sciences Summer Immersion Program. This intensive program will be offered in two sessions. Students will be asked to select their session preference on the application. Students may participate in both sessions, but please be advised that it is not recommended. Both sessions are identical in material, except for the hands-on element.

Program Structure

The overall goal for this program is to expose students, with limited laboratory experience, to the skills necessary to pursue careers in biomedical sciences. In this program, high school and college (applicants with >2 years college credit are considered on a case-by-case basis if they have limited laboratory experience and/or are considering a change of major into the health sciences) students will obtain theoretical and hands-on experience in the following areas:

• Laboratory safety
• Essential laboratory skills and techniques
• Disease case studies
• Diagnostic testing and molecular technologies, such as:
  • Laboratory media inoculation
  • Cell Differentials
  • Agarose gel electrophoresis
  • Nucleic Acid Extraction
  • Polymerase chain reaction

Student Testimonials

This program helped me to learn biomedical concepts in a tangible laboratory setting. The hands-on aspect allowed me to better understand the concepts being presented and relate them to what is done in real biomedical laboratories. The most valuable experience I had during this program was looking at real blood under a microscope. It was amazing how much blood could tell you, and was cool to be able to apply what I have learned to actual specimens and make new discoveries. This experience sparked a fascination of hematology. Mia Turcotte-Keen, School Without Walls High School Class of 2024

I would definitely recommend this program to others. I learned a lot of new information that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to learn until college, and I made a lot of friends who are very similar to me. I felt like I really fit in and learned a lot of new things. Sage Nagle, Annandale High School Class of 2025

I loved doing all of the experiments and learning about the different tests and methods that doctors often use at the hospital. The knowledge that I learned from this program gave me a greater understanding of biomedical sciences and has given me a passion for science. Josephine Johannes, Freedom High School Class of 2018

Program Outcomes

At the successful completion of the BLS Summer Immersion Program, learners will be able to:

1. Practice safety in the laboratory, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sterile technique.
2. Discuss the theory and application behind an array of laboratory tests used to diagnose diseases, including infectious diseases, cancer, blood disorders, and genetic diseases.
3. Perform a variety of laboratory techniques, including blood cell differentials, microbial plating, biochemical assays, DNA extraction, and nucleic acid electrophoresis.
4. Collaborate with peers to prepare a project presentation.
5. Present a case study project utilizing patient laboratory findings.

Program Details

Please check back for details on the 2025 Summer Immersion Program.

Applying to the Summer Immersion Program

Please check back for details on the 2025 Summer Immersion Program.

Additional Details

Liability Waivers

• If accepted, liability waivers must be submitted to participate in the program.

Certificate of Completion

• Students will receive a certificate of completion that can be listed on resumes, college applications, or for volunteer hours.
• Certificate of Completion will be awarded only to students that attend every session and complete all assessments by the designated due dates.

Questions

• If you have any questions, please email mlsimmersion@gwu.edu(link sends e-mail).

Financial Assistance

Applicants who come from a family with an annual income below a level based on low-income thresholds established by the U.S. Census Bureau will be considered for financial aid. Further information about this will be provided in our high school and college applications.