Intro to Biotech
One-Week Summer Science Program
“12 Great Biotechnology Summer Programs for HS Students”
This one-week program is for students interested in understanding the process of drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Students learn Synthetic Chemistry techniques through hands-on synthesis of a simple drug molecule, its isolation, and purification.
The program provides an introduction to the knowledge required for a potential career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Looking for a program more focused on engineering? Consider our three-week Biomedical Engineering.
Session 1: July 6th-10th, 2026
Gann/Bentley | Waltham, MA
Gann/Bentley | Waltham, MA
More About: Awards – Research Programs – Sample Week
Looking for more? Check out: Biomedical Engineering
Past Instructors:
Dr. Kelly Eckenrode
Dr. Eckenrode is currently the Lead Biology Teacher at Boston Latin School. Having studied graduate level biology and nanobiotechnology at Harvard Extension School, she brings a wealth of experience and credentials to BLI.
Dr. Aaron Bradford
Dr. Bradford completed his undergraduate education in Chemistry from the prestigious Colby College before earning his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Integrative Toxicology from Michigan State University. He followed this with postdoctoral research in cell and molecular neurobiology where he collaborated with teams at institutions such as Brown University and the Broad Institute. Dr. Bradford is currently a professor at Bentley University and Lesley University.
Student Comments
‘I really enjoyed the program and my teacher. I learned a lot during the program like how difficult it is to get a drug passed by the FDA or to even make a drug that works with no side effects…I also learned what a successful Biotech company needs like marketing and money.
‘I liked the demonstrations and hands-on experiments.The field trip was also fun. The teacher was very good and organized, but she still let us be independent for research and didn’t control our debate as a class (which is a good thing)’
‘I liked how we learned about the industry of biotechnology and the different roles that are played there. I also liked how we observed drug discovery and the process which surrounds it.’
Note: This page represents our best expectations for the program. Activities and instructors are subject to change. In such cases, similar activities and a comparably qualified instructor will be sought.
Our Programs are Featured on the National Association for Gifted Children Website
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