The eight high school students participated in the Future Scientist Program, a partnership among IPS, the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, and the American Cancer Society. The program helps educate and foster interest in scientific studies while the students are paired with a mentor from the IU Simon Cancer Center.
“This program has the potential to develop the young scientists of this generation into those making research breakthroughs in the future that save lives,” Katie Wilson, American Cancer Society program manager, said.
The six-week program (June 18-July 27) included daily hours in a lab on the IU School of Medicine’s Indianapolis campus, weekly discussions, seminars and activities, campus field trips, and a final presentation to mentors, parents, and sponsoring organizations.
Participants in this summer’s Future Scientist Program were:
- Eduardo Chacon of Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School
- Kiersten Anne Hawkins of Broad Ripple High School
- Lauren Hedges of Arsenal Technical High School
- Tyler McNeal of Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School
- Taylor Morst of Northwest High School
- Victoria Sedwick of Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School
- Jessyca Shirels of Arsenal Technical High School
- Reynaldo Tzintzun of Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School
To apply for the program, students submitted applications and completed an interview process with representatives from Indianapolis Public Schools, the American Cancer Society, and the IU Simon Cancer Center. The participants earned a $2,000 stipend upon completing the program.