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.

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

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 FEB 26 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM SAT APR 23 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

$210

Learn how embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are used in regenerative medicine. Students will perform common laboratory stem cell techniques including cell culturing, karyotyping, and pluripotent characterization using embryonic stem cells.

SAT JAN 22 9:30AM - 3:30PM SAT MAR 12 9:30AM - 3:30PM

Invisible Hijackers: How Viruses are Used in Biotech

$210

Learn how biotechnology uses viruses in diagnostics medicine, bioimaging, and the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Students will perform hands-on molecular biology techniques to analyze the effects of viral infections on protein synthesis of mammalian cells.

SAT FEB 5 9:30AM - 3:30PM SAT APR 2 9:30AM - 3:30PM

Lab-on-a-Chip

$210

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 JAN 29 9:30AM - 3:30PM SAT MAR 5 9:30AM - 3:30pM

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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 Mar 28 - Apr 8 4:00pm - 7:30pm

Fundamentals to Cell Culture

$995

Learn industry standard techniques commonly used in biotech to culture mammalian cells. In this 2-week course, students will learn essential cell culture techniques, media formulation, and image processing to successfully expand and maintain a cell line. Students will use best practices to design and execute a cell-based experiment and optimize transfection conditions for green fluorescent expression.

M, W, F Feb 28 - Mar 11 4:00pm - 7:30pm

HPLC Analysis of Pharmaceuticals & Biologics

$1,325

Learn the basics of HPLC operation and acquire valuable laboratory skills that prepare you for basic research in the pharmaceutical and synthetic biology sectors. Trainees will complete hands-on, problem-based challenges where they will apply classroom knowledge in a HPLC laboratory setting. Trainees will learn how to solubilize pharmaceuticals, create quantitative concentration curves and prepare samples from complex biological mixtures.

SAT Feb 12 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Basics of Flow Cytometry

$650

This one day course introduces the fundamental principles, sample preparation, experimental controls, and data analysis of flow cytometry. Students will gain hands on flow cytometry experience with industry standard instruments, reagents, application, and software analysis.

SAT MAR 26 9:30AM - 3:30PM

Advanced Flow Cytometry

$650

This one day course builds on the fundamentals concepts learned in Basic Flow Cytometry. Students will perform a multicolor panel experiment using best practices in analytic cytometry, experiment design and analysis.

SAT Apr 16 9:30AM - 3:30pm

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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.

Soahil Jahid, PhD

Dr. Jahid has extensive years of wet lab experience in molecular biology. biochemistry, immunology, skin biology, and cancer biology. She obtained her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from UC Irvine. Prior to joining Avita Medical as a Research Scientist she was Assistant Project Scientist in the laboratory of Dr. Anand Ganesan at 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.

Ali Al-Hakeem

Ali has several years of virology experience characterizing the replication mechanism of persistent enterovirus infections. He currently works as a Research Technician for Crescenta Biosciences characterizing therapeutics for metabolic diseases. Ali received his BS in Public Health Sciences and BA in Business Administration from UC Irvine.

Omar Nava

Omar has experience working in three biomedical engineering startups including Vena Vitals where he currently works as a R&D Engineer. Omar has been published in Food Science ("Comparison of real-time PCR and ELISA-based methods for the detection of beef and pork in processed meat products") research through Chapman University. Omar received his BS in Biomedical 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.

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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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 vary by class.

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.

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Explore. Educate. Empower.

Why a Career in Biotech?

Testimonials

High School and College