The 2011 Science Apprenticeship Program provided an exciting and challenging summer for 19 aspiring young scientists.
Each student worked in a laboratory of a Monell scientist and received a stipend while meeting the challenges of serious research project responsibilities. These projects examined different aspects of taste and smell, including differences in taste perception, the anatomy of olfaction response, and variations in cough sensitivity thresholds. Students presented their findings at the final symposium attended by scientists, staff, friends, and family. Interspersed throughout were recreational and social events to allow students to get to know each other and other Monell employees.
Lecture Series
A popular lecture series has been part of the program for the past few years. This year, scientists from other local institutions were invited to talk about their careers in a variety of scientific fields. These presentations gave the students an opportunity to experience the professional presentation style of scientists at the Ph.D. level, while illustrating the diverse career paths available within the sciences.
- Lecture 1 – Dr. Paul Breslin, Director, Science Apprenticeship Program
Introduction to the Chemical Senses
- Lecture 2 – Dr. Rocky Parker, Postdoctoral Fellow, Monell Center,
Scientific Publications and the Peer Review Process: An Introduction and Personal Observations
- Lecture 3 – Dr. Paul Breslin
Scientific Method and Hypothesis Testing
- Lecture 4 – Dr. Jayatri Das, Senior Exhibit and Program Developer, Franklin Institute
- Lecture 5 – Dr. Antoinette T. Thwaites, Forensic Chemist, Philadelphia Police Dept. and CEO/Founder of Association of Women in Forensic Science
Forensic Science and the Media
- Lecture 6 – Dr. Alina Freire-Fierro, Botanist, Academy of Natural Sciences
Final Symposium
At the end of the summer, students worked with their mentors to develop high quality and technical posters detailing the hypotheses tested, as well as the methods and results obtained from their summer research projects. The students then presented their research findings to the scientists at the Monell Center and to their invited family and friends. The 2011 symposium was held in the large seminar room at the Monell Center with over 100 people in attendance.
