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

Innovation in Orange County

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.

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

$220

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

SAT Feb 4 9:30AM - 3:30PM SAT Mar 4 9:30AM - 3:30PM

Invisible Hijackers: How Viruses are Used in Biotech

$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 FEB 11 9:30AM - 3:30PM

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. Registration for this class is offered through the City of Irvine.

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. Registration for this class is offered through the City of Irvine.

Dates TBA

The Perfect Fit: How PCR Discovers Our Genes

$220

Learn the fundamentals of polymerase chain reaction, one of the core molecular biology techniques. Students will understand the key components of PCR by preparing a DNA sample, performing PCR amplification, and analyzing the results.

Dates TBA

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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.

Dates TBA

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

Dates TBA

Advanced Flow Cytometry

$1,300

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 MAR 11 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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

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.

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.

Ben Katz

Ben Katz has been working in the biotechnology sector for two decades with experience in both academic core facilities and early stage biotech companies. He is an expert at analyzing low abundance intact proteins, peptides and small molecules out of complex samples. He is focused on developing analytical methods for custom applications and is available as a scientific advisor. He encourages all scientists to be trained to use HPLC and mass spectrometry themselves with an emphasis on teaching proper sample prep techniques.

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.

Jacob Hambalek

Jacob has several years of experience in molecular biology and microfluidics. He joined Autonomous Medical Devices as a Scientist in 2020. Prior to aMDi, Jacob worked on various projects as a Researcher within the UC Los Angeles Department of Bioengineering, resulting in multiple publications and presentations. His prior research focuses include nucleic acid amplification, microfluidic device fabrication, and biomarker discovery for cardiovascular disease. Jacob earned a BS and MS in Bioengineering from UC Los Angeles.

Will Bralower

Will’s expertise is in user interface design, platform validation, and new model development. He was a core contributor to the startup of Tulane University's Tissue Engineering MicroPhysiological Systems Laboratory where he set up and developed the protocols for the fabrication space. In his thesis he developed robust, user friendly membrane free devices via SLA 3D printing and soft lithography. These devices were used for growing 3D vascularized stromal tissue and are the basis for ongoing cancer research studies. Will received his BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering at Tulane University.

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.

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For High School Seniors

KPMG Future Leaders Program

The KPMG Future Leaders Program annually awards 22 female high school seniors with significant financial need, the opportunity to accelerate their personal growth through college scholarships, leadership development, mentorship, and an introduction to golf. Funded by proceeds from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit, the program’s focus is to empower and advance these promising leaders of tomorrow. Recipients will receive:

An annual scholarship of $10,000 per year for 4 years of college
A leadership development retreat and ongoing KPMG support
A pairing with an executive mentor for 1 year

Deadline: February 1, 2023 at midnight

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.

I have taken Intro to Biotech, Lab on a Chip, Stem Cells, and Invisible Hijackers. All are fantastic courses with hands on experiences. Was cool working with live human cells in the Biotech and Stem Cells courses. Working with viruses and all the reagents that go with it was also interesting.

Ethan Jeong

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Was really really good! Enjoyed the instructor answered my questions, while encouraging students to ask questions. Really helped with my career pathway.

Hannah Lee

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Wonderful experience, the teachers were very interactive and made it easy to understand. I would totally recommend if you want to get more exposure and explore more STEM fields.

Ashley Melgar

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 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

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

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, 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.

Explore. Educate. Empower.

Innovation in Orange County

High School and College

1-Day Hands-on Laboratory Courses

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Invisible Hijackers: How Viruses are Used in Biotech

Introduction to Biotechnology Research

Hands-on Engineering

The Perfect Fit: How PCR Discovers Our Genes

High School, College, and Professionals

Multi-Week Hands-on Laboratory Courses

Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques

Fundamentals of Cell Culture

College and Professionals

1-Day Hands-on Laboratory Courses

Advanced Flow Cytometry

HPLC Analysis of Pharmaceuticals & Biologics

Our Instructors

Milad Riazifar, PhD

Mahima Bansal, PhD

Sohail Jahid, PhD

Ben Katz

Ali Al-Hakeem

Jacob Hambalek

Will Bralower

Linda McCarthy

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CLS Sponsors 12 BIPOC Students to Participate in MIRE

For High School STUDENTS

Medical Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship

Brochure Download

Educational Partners

For High School Seniors

KPMG Future Leaders Program

Join the ULP Empowers Community

Testimonials

Employment Training Panel

Frequently Asked Questions

University Lab Partners UCI Research Park

University Lab Partners
UCI Research Park