A unique opportunity for students to engage in scientific exploration and hands-on experimentation in a university lab!
What: Camp BIOmed is a week-long science summer camp for high school students interested in biomedical or health science careers.
Who: All students entering Grades 9-12 in the fall of 2025
SAVE THE DATE: Each camp runs for ONE WEEK starting from June 23 to June 27, 2025 at Whitworth University in Spokane and July 7 to August 15, 2025 at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle. Click here for detailed schedule. All camps run from 9 AM-3PM.
Cost: Camp at Whitworth, Spokane will cost $645 for non-members and $595 for members. Each camp at SPU, Seattle will cost $845 for non-members and $795 for employees of member institutions. Early bird discounts and scholarships are available. Visit registration page for details and Financial Assistance page for the scholarship application.
SIX EXCITING TRACKS: CHOOSE ONE OR ALL!
GOOD CELLS GONE BAD: THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CANCER:
(Spokane and Seattle)
Discover how normal human cells acquire the mutations that cause them to go rogue. Learn and apply
some of the fundamental lab techniques that are used by cancer researchers
including: DNA restriction digests, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and microarrays. Take on the role of oncologist as you apply your lab findings to specific patient case histories and explore rapidly evolving treatment options. Perform a brain dissection as part of a unit on brain cancer.
Changing the Blueprints of Life: Genetic Engineering:
(Seattle Only)
Learn the basics of genetic manipulation and unravel the mysteries
of recombinant DNA and its practical applications. Discover how scientists isolate genes using cloning and PCR, Introduce a new trait into bacteria via the process of transformation, a key genetic engineering technique. Explore modern biotechnology as you perform numerous experiments typically used by molecular biologists.
Solve a murder mystery: CSI (Crime Scene Investigation):
(Seattle only)
Become a forensic expert and delve into the intriguing world of crime scene
investigation. Uncover the secrets of DNA fingerprinting, blood spatter analysis, and latent fingerprint examination. Master the art of deductive reasoning as you apply molecular biology techniques to solve captivating mock murder mysteries. Can you decipher the clues and catch the culprit?
An Invisible World: Microbiology:
(Seattle only)
Dive into the fascinating world of bacteria, fungi, and viruses and explore their pathogenic potential.
Utilize advanced microscopy techniques to identify distinct bacterial
characteristics. Collect, cultivate and analyze microbial strains, investigating their susceptibility to antibiotics. Fill the shoes of a microbiologist, epidemiologist, and even a doctor as you complete a case study about a patient at risk of acquiring a hospital-associated infection
NEXT GEN SCIENCE: ORIGAMI OF LIFE WITH BIOINFORMATICS:
(Seattle only)
The Bioinformatics/Genome Science camp will introduce students to modern genomic analysis by
combining molecular techniques used in the laboratory with
computer analysis. Students will examine the genetic basis for human variation and use DNA barcoding to study biodiversity and food fraud. In each project, students will use several bioinformatics methods to analyze their data. It is a perfect wet and dry lab combination for students who are interested in how computer science is applied to the management and analysis of biological data.
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTH EQUITY WORLDWIDE: GLOBAL HEALTH:
(Seattle only)
What is global health? What are some of the biggest health challenges and disparities that we face both locally and globally? How 
can we best use science, technology and community resources to help solve these issues? Students in this camp will participate in labs, hands-on activities, and critical thinking exercises to explore problems and possible solutions to some of the most pressing current global health challenges.
Topics and activities will include clean water and sanitation, air pollution and climate change, infectious and non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and access to primary health care and education. In a culminating project the students will design a global health intervention, incorporating lessons learned, to address a challenge they are passionate about.
GET READY TO GEEK OUT, LEVEL UP YOUR SCIENTIFIC SKILLS, AND IGNITE YOUR PASSION FOR THE WONDERS OF BIOMEDICINE. YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS!
* Each camp will conclude with a Culminating Expo scheduled for Friday 1-3 PM : Friends and family are cordially invited to attend and witness the remarkable achievements for the campers.
Camp BIOmed Goals
· Increase student understanding of how biomedical research is conducted; from exploration and discovery to testing and analysis.
· Increase student awareness of how ethical considerations play a role in research, including the ethical guidelines that govern research.
· Promote awareness of science careers.
· Build a supportive community of students, science educators, and scientists.
