BCAP Research Program Wraps Up its First Virtual Summer Session

This summer, 70 local high school students worked virtually alongside clinical and research faculty from Wayne State University to explore clinical, health policy, or basic science research as part of the Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP). BCAP, a four-week paid research program, is a collaborative effort between Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSU-SOM), Michigan Area Health Education Center (MI-AHEC), Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) and Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD).

BCAP was established in 2014 by Jennell White, PhD to address the underrepresentation of minorities in STEM. Dr. White, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at WSU-SOM, is dedicated to exposing minority youth to health science careers and opportunities. "We are very proud our BCAP students," said Dr. White. "Despite the challenges of the remote learning environment this year, they worked hard and gave excellent presentations with the assistance of our dedicated faculty mentors."

Throughout the summer high school students engaged in research, participated in virtual laboratory training and attended remote informational sessions with a focus on the college admission process, careers in health science and opportunities to build professional networks with peers and Wayne State University faculty and staff. In August, students showcased their research findings during BCAP's virtual closing ceremony. The presentations allow students to communicate the importance of their research, analyze and articulate their findings, and prompt others to ask questions and provide valuable feedback. BCAP student Mehmet Tascioglu found his BCAP experience to be a challenging but valuable experience. "Every day I spent working hard made me learn more about the way scientists think and act, and the nature of developing treatments for diseases. Wait a couple decades to see the result of the investment that BCAP is putting into its future medical professionals."

Click on the links below to view student testimonials about their BCAP experience and a photo gallery.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/145229589@N02/albums/72157715566507082