Explore. Educate. Empower.

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

HIGH SCHOOL

Hands-On Lab Courses at UCI Research Park

Learn laboratory techniques widely used in biotechnology from leading industry professionals.

Check out our Fall class schedule.

Introduction to Virology Research

$220

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 Sep 30 9:30AM - 3:30PM SAT Nov 4 9:30AM - 3:30PM

Hands on Engineering

$220

Explore the emerging technologies and applications of medtech devices using computer-aided design, 3-D printing, and material testing. Students will design, build, and test a medtech device.

Introduction to Biotechnology Research

$220

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

SAT Oct 7 9:30AM - 3:30PM SAT Dec 2 9:30AM - 3:30PM

Genome Engineering Research Program

By Application

5-week course provides hands-on training in standard molecular biology techniques performed in research and development, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology laboratories. Participants will acquire and demonstrate industry-standard knowledge and skills in bacterial cloning, genomic and plasmid DNA isolation, PCR, restriction digest, and gel electrophoresis as well as experimental design and execution.

OCT 16 - NOV 13 4:00PM - 7:30PM OCT 18 - NOV 15 4:00PM - 7:30PM

Intro to Gene Expression

By Application

During this 5-week course participants will acquire and demonstrate industry-standard knowledge and skills in PCR, gel electrophoresis, protein purification, and quantification, as well as experimental design and execution.

Intro to Cell Culture Techniques

By Application

6-week asynchronous module-based learning paired with hands-on laboratory activities. Students will learn best practices in laboratory safety, laboratory documentation, aseptic techniques, cell culturing, experimental design, imaging, and immunohistochemistry.

Summer Research Experience

By Application

A 4-week program for talented high school and undergraduate students with a deep interest in pursuing careers in medicine and the life sciences. Students will learn cell culture and molecular biology techniques that are performed in research and development immuno-oncology laboratories. Students will acquire vital research skills and learn how biotechnology laboratories harness the surveillance mechanisms of immune cells to create cancer therapeutics.

MORE +

Principles of Flow Cytometry

By Application

This 1-day course introduces the fundamental principles, sample preparation, experimental controls, and data analysis of flow cytometry. Trainees will gain hands on flow cytometry experience with industry standard instruments, reagents, application, and software analysis. Trainees will perform a multicolor panel experiment using best practices in analytic cytometry, experiment design and analysis. Trainees have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to receive a digital credential through UCI.

Sat Oct 21 9AM - 5PM

HPLC Methods and Fundamentals

By Application

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. Trainees have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to receive a digital credential through UCI.

SAT Oct 14 9AM - 5PM

Scholarship Opportunities Available

Our mission is to develop the next generation of life science talent through education and workforce development programming, focused on engaging high school and college student populations historically underrepresented in STEM careers.

Samantha Renusch

Samantha has worked as a Research Scientist at NKGen Biotech and has spent 2+ years in cutting-edge industry research and development laboratories. Samantha has also spent extensive time as a Laboratory Manager on UCI's campus teaching and mentoring undergraduate & graduate students. Samantha holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UCI.

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.

Sohail 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.

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.

Justin Stovner

Justin is an exuberant innovator with 4+ years of research and development experience in prototype, manufacturing and web lab experimentation. He is passionate about expanding scientific knowledge and providing the new generations with the tools to further push the boundaries of known science. Justin received his MS in Biomedical Engineering from UC Irvine, and is VP of Engineering and co-founder of Syntr Health Technologies, Inc.

Ali Al-Hakeem

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

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.

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.

Employment Training Panel

ETP is a state agency that uses a pay-for-performance contract to reimburse the costs for employer-customized job skills training.

University Lab Partners is approved by the State to be an ETP training provider.

Are financial-need scholarships available?

Full and partial financial-need scholarship opportunities are available by application. Please complete the form here. Not available for classes offered through the City of Irvine.

You must be a Southern California resident to apply.

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 and closed-toed shoes. 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.

When does registration open?

University Lab Partners opens registration by season.

Winter: Mid-November

Spring: Mid-February

Summer: Mid-May

Fall: Mid-August

Explore. Educate. Empower.

Hands-On Lab Courses at UCI Research Park

Educational Partners

High School and College Students

1-Day Hands-on Laboratory Courses

Introduction to Virology Research

Hands on Engineering

Introduction to Biotechnology Research

High School, College, and Professionals

Multi-Week Hands-on Laboratory Courses

Genome Engineering Research Program

Intro to Gene Expression

Intro to Cell Culture Techniques

Summer Research Experience

College and Professionals

1-Day Hands-on Laboratory Courses

Principles of Flow Cytometry

HPLC Methods and Fundamentals

Scholarship Opportunities Available

Our Instructors

Samantha Renusch

Milad Riazifar, PhD

Sohail Jahid, PhD

Mahima Bansal, PhD

Justin Stovner

Ali Al-Hakeem

Linda McCarthy

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For High School STUDENTS

Medical Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship

Join the ULP Empowers Community

Employment Training Panel

Frequently Asked Questions

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