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- Posted Wednesday June 17, 2015
Helios Scholars at TGen trains next generation of Arizona researchers
45 students from across Arizona selected for 9th annual class supported by the Helios Education Foundation
PHOENIX, Ariz. - June 17, 2015 - The Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen) began its 9th annual
Helios Scholars at TGen paid summer internship program
this month, hosting 45 students in an effort to train Arizona's
next generation of biomedical researchers.
Helios interns work side-by-side for eight weeks with their TGen
scientist-mentors, and are actively engaged in translational
research projects in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's
disease, infectious diseases such as Valley Fever, and many types
of cancer.
"Helios Scholars are talented and creative minds from across
Arizona, selected from more than 600 applicants for one of the
state's premier biomedical internships," said Julie Euber, TGen's
Education and Outreach Specialist and supervisor of Helios
Scholars at TGen. "They arrive with a passion for science and
medicine, and by participating in authentic research projects they
shape the skills needed for a lifetime of discovery."
Funded for 25 years through a $6.5 million award from Helios
Education Foundation, Helios Scholars at TGen educates,
trains, and inspires the next generation of researchers and
physicians in Arizona.
"Through Helios Scholars at TGen, students are gaining
valuable, first-hand experience in a professional scientific
laboratory that helps prepare them for success in college and
career," said Paul J. Luna, President and CEO, Helios Education
Foundation. "We are pleased to partner with TGen and provide these
students will a stellar summer internship program that will not
only benefit them, but will improve people's lives through
scientific and medical research."
The program is open to Arizona high school, undergraduate and
graduate level students, including those in medical school.
In addition to full-time, patient-focused research, Helios
Scholars participate in professional development seminars,
including science communication, public speaking, and basic
business etiquette.
The program concludes July 24 with a daylong scientific symposium,
including student poster and oral presentations. Helios Scholars
compete at the symposium for awards recognizing project mastery and
presentation skills and are celebrated for their
achievements.
Past interns boast an array of impressive accomplishments,
publishing scientific abstracts, scientific articles, and
acceptance into medical and graduate schools.
Program applications start in January each year for the following
summer at www.tgen.org/intern.
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About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation is focused on creating opportunities
for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary
education by advancing the academic preparedness of all students
and fostering a high-expectation, college-going culture. Through a
decade of strategic partnership and investment, Helios has
identified Early Grade Success, College and Career Readiness and
Postsecondary Completion as the three most critical reform
priorities in achieving our long-term goal. As an engaged
foundation, embedded in communities across both states, the
Foundation is contributing its expertise and financial resources to
better prepare students for college and career and to compete
successfully in a global economy. Since 2006, Helios has invested
over $155 million in education-related programs and initiatives in
Arizona and Florida. For more information about the Foundation,
visit www.helios.org.
Press Contact:
Rebecca Lindgren
Marketing Communications Director
Helios Education Foundation
602-381-2294
[email protected]
About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]