Explore. Educate. Empower.

Empowering the next generation of biotech innovators through real-world educational opportunities that enhance and align current training approaches to skill sets valued by industry.

HIGH SCHOOL

Why a Career in Biotech?

The bioscience industry represents the unique confluence of key characteristics for societal and economic progress – extremely high levels of innovation that are saving and improving lives through advancements in biomedical, energy and advanced food and industrial technologies; and expanding a wide mix of employment opportunities with wages and incomes that support a high standard of living.

Orange County has a flourishing life science and medical device industry that is home to more than 48,000 life sciences industry jobs with average annual earnings at over $86,000 per year.

Breaking Through Biocontamination

$169

Apply the principles of experimental design to solve the real-world challenge of biocontamination. Using experimental methods in cell organelle extraction, spectrophotometry, and biostatistics, students will perform, evaluate, and present their innovative strategies and solutions.

SAT Oct 2 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Introduction to Biotechnology Research

$210

Apply laboratory techniques commonly used in biological research. Students will perform aseptic and molecular biology techniques to culture, image, and isolate DNA from stem cells.

SAT oct 23 9:30 AM - 3:30PM SAT NOV 13 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM SAT DEC 4 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Lab-on-a-Chip

$169

Design, fabricate and validate a microfluidic device to explore the emerging technologies and applications of lab-on-a-chip using computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, material testing, and microscopy.

SAT OCT 16 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

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Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques

$1,990

Molecular biology methods are used extensively in modern-day drug discovery, research and development, and diagnostics. This 2-week course provides hands-on training in best practices in the standard molecular biology techniques performed in biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology laboratories. Students have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to receive a digital credential through UCI.

M - F Sep 13 - 24 4pm - 8pm M - F Nov 8 - 19 4pm - 7:30pm

Mammalian Cell Culture Techniques

$2,990

Mammalian cell culture is fundamental in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and biomanufacturing. In this intensive, 3-week hands-on course, students will learn aseptic techniques necessary to maintain stem and cancer cells in culture. Students will use experimental design, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques to design and execute an in vitro research project. Students have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to receive a digital credential through UCI.

Dates coming soon.

Mahima Bansal, PhD

Dr. Bansal is an enthusiastic and self-driven research scientist with 5+ years of extensive hands-on bench experience who is passionate about science communication and unravelling scientific puzzles. Dr. Bansal currently works as the Lead Cell Biologist for EndoCyclic Therapeutics developing a treatment for endometriosis. Dr. Bansal holds a PhD in Biotechnology from Thapar University and has been published in 8 scientific peer-reviewed journals.

Milad Riazifar, PhD

Dr. Riazifar has worked on stem cells for over a decade and on exosomes since 2012. He has extensive experience in manufacturing and characterizing pharmaceutical-grade exosomes, and has developed numerous in vitro potency assays, and is overseeing IND-enabling preclinical studies. He has published numerous high-impact articles on stem cells and stem cell-derived exosomes, and has consulted for regenerative medicine companies. Dr. Riazifar received his PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from UC Irvine.

Jasmine Naik, PhD

Dr. Naik has extensive experience in tissue engineering and specializes in understanding cardiomyocyte structure and function. She has also received multiple fellowships from the Division of Teaching, Excellence and, Innovation (DTEI) and developed high school STEM programs. Dr. Naik received her PhD in Chemical Engineering from UC Irvine.

Linda McCarthy

In her 9+ year career at UC Irvine, Linda assisted in creating a core biological center comprising of cell culture, mechanical testing, microbiology, and microscopy facilities. She has trained over hundreds of users in biological applications and research projects that resulted in several publications, posters, and talks. Linda holds a BS in Bioengineering from UC San Diego and a MS in Manufacturing Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Adriana Marble

Adriana is a senior at UC Irvine pursuing a Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering. She is currently the Fabrication Assistant at University Lab Partners and provides training and troubleshooting for laser cutting, filament, and SLA printing. Additionally, as an undergraduate at UCI she is investigating the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of nacre, a highly ordered biomaterial found in the illustrious layer of seashells.

For STUDENTS

Medical Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship

The Medical Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship (MIRE) STEM Program provides the next generation of STEM leaders the multidisciplinary skills needed to thrive in the biotech entrepreneurial world. Students will learn the four C's: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity from working alongside OC's top leaders in innovation, medicine, science, and law. Additionally, students will learn adaptability, resilience, and problem solving through project-based coursework. University Lab Partners (ULP) and the CHOC Research Institute are committed to excellence in education and research.

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I loved taking their molecular biology course. It was a hands-on experience in a state-of-the art laboratory that you simply couldn’t experience in a high school lab setting. The instructor took you every step of the way and it felt like a 1-on-1 experience. Their labs were pristine and everything was tidy and their location was perfect, in the heart of UCI’s research park.

Jeffrey Nguyen

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

I learned the different applications and the process that goes into 3D printing. The instructors were extremely helpful and happily explained everything very thoroughly!

Rebecca Lynn

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Love coming in here! The place is always really fun and friendly, and I also attended a introductory in biotech research class and it was very informative especially in the field I am going into!

Reana Diamante

COLLEGE STUDENT

I recommend [MIRE] to a friend because it was really helpful and informative in so many aspects such as from business to just public speaking, communication and colloboration. It was a great program and I believe that anyone that has the opportunity, should take it.

Abigail Cerna

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Join the ULP Empowers Community

Connect with others interested in a career in medical innovation and engage with the leaders in SoCal’s life sciences innovation ecosystem.

What if I miss a class?

Regular attendance is critical to your success in the course. Unfortunately, no credit or make-up sessions will be available.

What is the refund policy?

Please click here for University Lab Partner's refund policy.

If the class is full, is there a waitlist I can join?

Yes, there is a waitlist and you can sign up via the registration page. University Lab Partners will contact you if and when you have an opportunity to enroll.

What is included in the course fees?

Course fees includes all laboratory materials (notebooks, writing utensils, lab equipment) and light snacks (for partial day programs) and/or lunch (for full day programs).

If I am in middle school, am I allowed to enroll?

We evaluate middle school students on a case-by-case basis. If you are in middle school and would like to enroll, please email info@universitylabpartners.org and express your interest.

Is there a dress code?

For Hands-On Lab Courses:

For safety reasons, all participants are required to wear long pants, closed-toes shoes, and a face covering. If you do not arrive in proper attire, you will not be allowed to participate in laboratory activities. Please tie long hair back and do not wear dangling jewelry such as bracelets and earrings. All other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses) will be provided.

For our online programming:

There is no dress code for our virtual programming.

Is there a limit on how many courses I can enroll in?

There is no limit on how many courses you can enroll in. We encourage to attend as many as you would like.

Are financial-need scholarships available?

Full and partial financial-need scholarship opportunities are available by application. Please complete the form here.

You must be a Southern California resident to apply.

Explore. Educate. Empower.

Why a Career in Biotech?

Educational Partners

High School and College