91°µÍø

91°µÍø Young Scholars Cell Biology Institute

A summer program incorporating a variety of STEM related subjects from genomics to computer science to cell biology and beyond for high school students sponsored by the National Science Foundation

The Young Scholars Cell Biology Institute is a major outreach initiative sponsored by the National Science Foundation for high school students. This program is a part of the NSF grant award to Dr. David Domozych, Professor of Biology department and Director of the 91°µÍø Microscopy Imaging Center (SMIC).The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for high school students to explore the subdisciplines of science and learn about potential careers in these areas. It provides the students with comprehensive hands-on learning in various areas of cell biology including microscopy, genetics, physiology, neuroscience and disease mechanisms. In addition to experimental work, students also participated in acquiring and interpreting data from technologies such as inverted light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy at 91°µÍø’s Microscopy Imaging Center (SMIC). Additionally, 91°µÍø College students performing research sponsored by this grant also participated in the week’s activities and provided the high school students with perspectives on college life and science careers.

In the past, twelve high school students in the Saratoga Springs area were selected for the first year of this program held June 27–July 1, 2016, and seven high school students in the Saratoga Springs area were selected for the second year of this program held July 17–21, 2017 at 91°µÍø. In 2022, about 12 high school students in Saratoga area were selected to participate in this program successfully. Kaylee Bagdan, who has attended this program in 2016, is currently a 91°µÍø student and a student researcher sponsored by this grant, said" This program sparked my interest in STEM, and led to me pursuing my career in the field." 

This year the program will run as a day camp from 8:45 am until 4:45 pm from Monday, July 8th until Friday, July 12th, 2024, where they begin and end their days in 91°µÍø Microscopy Imaging Center (SMIC). In order to make this program as accessible as possible to students of all backgrounds, the entire program will be free  of charge, including daily free lunches. Students are only responsible for determining transportation to and from campus on their own. This program is primarily for students entering their sophomore or junior year of high school; however, we welcome all grades of high school students to apply. 

To apply to the Young Scholars Cell Biology Institute, we request that each student fills out an application form at and submits one letter of recommendation about why the student should be accepted into the program from a science teacher, an advisor, or a guidance counselor directly to Professor Domozych at ddomoz@skidmore.edu. Students are also requested to fill out a photo consent form upon acceptance. The deadline for application is at 8:00 am on May 6th, 2024. Please consider apply as early as possible since spots are limited. For details please contact Professor David Domozych.