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- Posted Friday July 29, 2016
10th class of bioscience interns complete Helios Scholars at TGen
Hands-on biomedical research pairs students with TGen researchers to help advance discoveries to benefit patients
PHOENIX, Ariz. - July 29, 2016 - Celebrating the program's 10th year, the 2016 Helios Scholars at TGen completed their eight-week internships today with a daylong scientific symposium at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.
The collaboration between the Helios Education Foundation and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) graduated 44 students who will help form the next generation of scientists specializing in Arizona's growing biomedical fields.
"This 10th anniversary year of Helios Scholars at TGen represents a milestone in this innovative program, which has helped launch the careers of many promising and talented researchers and physicians," said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen President and Research Director. "In partnership with Helios, these students have experienced what it is like to pursue patient-centric research on the frontier of genomic medicine."
Helios Scholars at TGen is the research institute's flagship summer internship program for Arizona students looking to further their interest in bioscience and medicine. Helios Scholars work in TGen's laboratories - receiving one-on-one mentorship from TGen scientists - on research projects that aim for new molecular-level discoveries about neurological disorders, infectious diseases and many types of cancer.
More than 400 students have now graduated the program since its inception in 2007.
"We are proud of the impact Helios Scholars at TGen has had on the lives of hundreds of talented students in Arizona," said Paul J. Luna, President and CEO, Helios Education Foundation. "This program provides this diverse student population with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an intensive, hands-on, scientific learning experience, and it propels them toward achieving success in college and career. We look forward to the next 10 years, and beyond, of this impactful program."
The full-time, paid internships are open to Arizona high school, undergraduate and graduate level students, including those in medical school. From more than 500 student applications, 33 undergraduates, 1 graduate student and 10 high school students were selected this summer.
Students hail from many schools and backgrounds, including Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Phoenix College, and these Arizona high schools: BASIS Chandler, Bioscience, Desert Vista, Hamilton, Phoenix Country Day, South Ridge, Sunnyslope, Tempe Preparatory and Xavier College Preparatory. Five students currently attend out-of-state colleges.
In addition to patient-focused research, Helios Scholars participate in professional development seminars, including science communication, public speaking, and basic business etiquette, as well as social activities to build and strengthen relationships between students. This summer's program concluded today with a scientific symposium highlighting the accomplishments of the 2016 Helios Scholars at TGen.
Scholars boast an array of impressive accomplishments including acceptance into top tier graduate and medical schools, unique career developments, national awards and scholarships, and authorship credit in numerous scientific publications.
Applications for the 11th class of Helios Scholars at TGen will be accepted starting in January 2017 at www.tgen.org/intern. For more information, contact Julie Euber, TGen Education and Outreach Specialist, at 602-343-8459, or [email protected].
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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 in a globally-competitive economy. Since 2006, Helios has invested nearly $170 million in education-related programs and initiatives in Arizona and Florida. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.helios.org.
Media 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 neurological disorders, cancer, 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. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @TGen.
Media Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
