THE GIP PROGRAM
The Genetics Immersion Program (GIP) at U-M is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for high school students to immerse in genetics research through hands-on laboratory experience. GIP research projects focus on discovery-based learning, building critical problem-solving skills, and exploring cutting-edge topics in genetics.
High school students are assigned a Ph.D./Post-Doc Student Mentor from a laboratory in the Department of Human Genetics (DHG) to guide them through a 6-week research project. Students will perform their own experiments, collect results and interpret their findings to present to peers.
In addition to gaining practical laboratory experience, students will learn:
Applications of clinical genetics through weekly roundtable discussions with UM clinicians
Diverse career paths in science through daily "Chalk-Talks" and "field trips"
How to prepare for post-secondary education, including how to search for schools, the application process, and scholarship opportunities.
Most importantly, GIP participants will join a community of scientists focused on making new discoveries while building the next generation of exceptional thinkers.
Benefits
Our goal is to facilitate a barrier-free program that is accessible and at no cost.
GIP participants will be given a competitive stipend over the course of the program and provided transportation to and from UM, Monday-Thursday (no GIP on Fridays). In addition, students will receive two meals per day (breakfast and lunch).
Throughout the program, we will have social events for which all expenses will be paid.
Finally, students who complete the program as rising Juniors will be invited back to the program as rising seniors to continue training, building relationships, and expanding their research impact.
2023 Timeline
Start Date: Tuesday, June 19st, 2023
End Date: Thursday, August 3rd, 2023
Week 1: Laboratory Genetics Prep Week @ Wayne-Westland Community School District (exact location TBD)
Prep week will be held Tuesday-Thursday from 12-2:30pm with lunch provided.
Students will meet the leadership boards and their mentors. They will get the chance to not only bond with their mentors, but also learn foundational genetic concepts and basic laboratory techniques through hands-on activities and experiments.
Weeks 2-6: On-campus research at the University of Michigan Department of Human Genetics.
A student's day involves work on Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 AM to 3 PM.
Students will be picked up from Wayne-Westland and brought to Ann Arbor.
Students will not only be working closely with their mentor in labs, but also get the chance to experience seminars by our trainees, casual chalk talks with established clinical and doctoral professors, and also enjoy the food and social life that Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan have to offer!
Daily Schedule
Each day will look slightly different. This is an example of what a typical day might look like.
8:30 AM : Pick-up from Wayne-Westland
9:30 AM : Arrive at UofM
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Hall while listening to a "chalk talk" from a DHG member.
10:00 AM- 1 PM: Personal Lab Time with Mentors
1 PM - 2 PM: Lunch at Dining Halls or Downtown Ann Arbor
2 PM - 3 PM: A rotating event, involving seminars, chalk talks, and social hours
3 PM: Depart to Wayne-Westland
4 PM : Arrive at Wayne-Westland pick-up point
Life After GIP
While we are very excited to welcome students into the laboratory, we are even more excited to watch them succeed after completing the GIP. Our goal is to create and maintain long-term relationships with GIP students in order to support them as they pursue their individual goals.
We encourage students and mentors to keep in touch throughout their scientific journeys. In addition, please expect to receive regular follow-ups from the GIP after completion of the program.