For the sixth consecutive year, the Summer Course in Biophysics wrapped up with a final symposium at the Rizzo Conference Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This symposium featured student presentations on their independent summer research projects. TAs, lab supervisors, PIs, course directors, and classmates all participated in asking discussion-instigating questions at the end of each talk.

This final symposium concluded a summer filled with lectures, quizzes, and independent biophysics-related research at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The ten students came from across the country to live together in a dorm, collaborate in study groups, and participate in scientific seminars and poster sessions together.

The past 11 weeks weren’t all work though. Students participated in social activities over the course of the summer. A trip to the beach and a Durham Bulls baseball game were two highlights. Professional development courses were also offered, allowing students to prepare themselves for the graduate school application process.

Immediately following the final symposium, students and course Co-Directors, Mike Jarstfer and Barry Lentz, all attended a closing dinner. While students were not always sure about their immediate plans – where they want to apply to graduate school or what type of degree to peruse – it was clear that their summer experience in the lab had impacted them to incorporate biophysics research into their future career goals.

If you know an undergraduate minority student who would be a good fit for the Summer Course, get in touch! Email Society Course Administrator, Vida Ess ([email protected]) for more information.