The Barcoding Life’s Matrix Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to participate in the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project as citizen scientists. Students can join a multinational alliance of iBOL scientists by enrolling in an intensive, seven-day residential research experience hosted at CMB’s biosciences laboratory in Ventura Harbor.
In addition to making a real scientific contribution to the world’s largest biodiversity genomics project, your involvement in the Barcoding Life’s Matrix Program will expand your scientific knowledge, introduce you to state-of-the-art scientific tools and technologies that are used in a wide range of scientific settings, help you develop a more realistic impression of what scientists do on a day-to-day basis, and offer you a rare glimpse into the scientific career opportunities that await you.
Collaborative Presentation
In addition to conducting interrelated field and laboratory studies that bridge kelp forest ecology with cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, students enrolled in the Barcoding Life’s Matrix Program are expected to collaborate on the design of a multimedia presentation to educate the public about DNA barcoding and its implications for society. A significant portion of each day is set-aside for student researchers to discuss, develop, and represent their ideas using various forms of interactive media. CMB's multimedia conference area contains five 24” iMac workstations equipped with a full suite of professional and scientific software needed for students to create high quality presentations of their scientific work.
On the final night of each resident program session, students deliver their presentation during a public mini-symposium hosted at the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center of Channel Islands National Park. Student presentations form part of a larger public engagement event that includes engaging and informative lectures from visiting research scientists, conservation biologists, and other professionals.
Accommodations
Housing accommodations are provided through a cooperative agreement between CMB and Holiday Inn Express, Ventura. Conveniently located in scenic Ventura Harbor, the hotel is located within a short walking distance from the CMB laboratory. Male and female students share separate suites for the duration of their residential research experience. A teaching assistant provides on-site supervision during evening hours to address student needs and ensure compliance with CMB’s room policies and curfews.
CMB offers students a limited menu plan from participating harbor restaurants, each of which can accommodate students with specific dietary restrictions.
Admission and Eligibility Requirements
Admission is currently limited to 11th and 12th grade high school students (students about to enter 11th grade are eligible to apply). A maximum of 10 students will be invited to enroll in each residential program session. The selection of applicants is based on a variety of criteria, including evidence of leadership, a demonstrated commitment to community service, work experience, extracurricular involvement, academic performance, prior coursework, a thoughtfully constructed and well-developed essay, and strong letters of recommendation. For each program session, our admissions committee selects a diverse group of applicants who possess complementary academic backgrounds, talents, interests, skills, and dispositions.
Tuition
Students who are accepted for enrollment receive a full tuition waiver that covers the cost of meals and lodging.
