High School Stem Day on Lung Science and Bioengineering

During the 20th Anniversary Celebration Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases

High School STEM Day on Lung Science and Bioengineering

stem cell logo

The High School STEM Mentorship Program is a unique opportunity for curious, motivated students to step into the world of cutting-edge lung science and biomedical research. Launched during the 10th Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases conference in 2023, the program was created to empower students from underrepresented and rural communities through mentorship, exposure to academic careers, and interactive STEM experiences.

Our Mission
We aim to inspire and support the next generation of STEM leaders by:

  • Providing early, meaningful exposure to science and engineering careers
  • Creating mentorship opportunities with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers
  • Building confidence and awareness of academic pathways, especially for first-generation and underserved students

For the 2025 conference, up to 25 high school students will be selected to participate in this immersive experience. Applications will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Each student will be paired with a mentor, a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow, who will connect with them virtually a month prior to the event to offer guidance, answer questions, and introduce them to the world of research.

Registration is now open!

High School STEM Experience Application

Program Highlights

Body
  • Mentorship: Ongoing support before and during the conference
  • Hands-On STEM Workshop: Explore career paths, engage in interactive science demos, and hear from scientists who’ve been in your shoes—including first-generation college students
  • Real-World Science Exposure: Attend the opening session of an international scientific conference and engage with researchers on the front lines of lung biology and bioengineering
  • Community & Belonging: Build connections, gain confidence, and discover that STEM is for you

Measuring Impact

Body

To ensure the program continues to grow and improve, students will complete short pre- and post-program surveys to reflect on what they’ve learned and how their interest in STEM has evolved. These insights will help us tailor future experiences and increase the program’s impact.

Agenda

Body
TimeDetails
8:30 - 8:55 AMContinental Breakfast at Stafford Hall
8:55 - 9:00 AMWelcome and Introductions
9:00 - 9:40 AMWet Lab Activity
Led by Bradford Smith, PhD, University of Colorado
9:40 - 9:50 AMBreak
9:50 - 10:30 AMCareer Pathways Panel Discussion
Moderated by Amy Ryan, PhD, University of Iowa
10:30 - 11:00 AMCoffee and Networking Break
11:00 - 12:30 PMChoice of Workshop

Workshop I

Using Precision Cut Lung Slices (PCLS) to Study Lung Biology & Disease
Darcy Wagner, PhD, McGill University, Canada

Workshop II

Application of Organoids and Gene Editing to Study Lung Biology & Disease
Dawei Sun, PhD, Broad Institute, MA
12:30 - 2:00 PMMentoring Lunch
2:00 - 2:40 PMScientific Pathways (How did you get there) 
Moderated by Bradford Smith, PhD, University of Colorado
2:40 - 2:50 PMBreak
2:50 - 3:30 PMScientific Destinations (What you can do) 
Moderated by Bradford Smith, PhD, University of Colorado
3:30 - 4:15 PMCoffee and Networking Break

Optional Extras for Highschool Student Participants:

  1. Attend the Primary Conference Evening Scientific Session on July, 7 after the workshop. Timing and information listed on the course agenda page.
  2. Attendance throughout the entire conference (July 7 - 10)

Download the High School Student STEM Experience: Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases Program (PDF)

Lodging

Body

Dormitory housing and transportation will be available to participating students, check back soon for details.