1. Summer Science Research Institute By Julie Ervin

2. What is it? Program in molecular biology here at Foxcroft – Inquiry based learning – Independent thinking and problem solving – All girls – Graduate level molecular biology research projects

3. Who do we work with? Molecular biology research program in collaboration with Dr. Spano, a senior researcher at UVA Helper was Helen Corless – senior at Tufts University.

4. What are the details of the program? 6 weeks in length (mid June – July) First two weeks – learn new techniques in molecular biology – DNA Extractions- Protein Extractions – Restriction enzyme digestions- Elisa Testing – Plasmid mapping- SDS-PAGE gels – Subcloning- DNA fingerprinting – Bacterial Transformations- Staining methods – PCR – DNA Gel Electrophoresis

5. What are the details of the program? At end of second week, receive a group project (2-3 individuals per group) from Dr. Spano Spend the remaining four weeks researching and performing lab work Last week of program, visit UVA labs, tour campus and meet Dr. Spano

6. Goal of Program? Encourage independent and hands-on learning Increase student’s interest in science Increase student’s knowledge in science Model the beauty and benefits of collaboration (Foxcroft and UVA) Have students write a journal style paper regarding research – submit it to Siemens Westinghouse Talent Competition in Math and Science.

7. Siemens Westinghouse Competition Announced Oct. 23 rd, 2009: – Semifinalist for Siemens Westinghouse Competition Jessa Hurst – current junior