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 Summer class schedule.

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 JUL 8 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.

SAT JUN 17 9:30AM - 3:30PM SAT JUL 22 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 JUL 15 9:30AM - 3:30PM

MORE +

Genome Engineering Research Program

By Application

4-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.

Fall Dates TBA

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.

All cohorts have been filled.

Jul 10 - Aug 1 8:30AM - 12PM

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 Jul 29 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 Aug 12 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.

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.

This was the most wonderful experience ever. Having the ability to gain hands on experience in a real lab at such a young age was wonderful. I highly recommend these courses to anyone who is interested in STEM!!

DIYA KHANNA

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

I have taken Intro to Biotech, Lab on a Chip, Stem Cells, and Invisible Hijackers. All are fantastic courses with hands on experiences. It 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

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 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

It is very hands on with much information explained to get to know more about this field along with much information explained that is not included in other areas of education.

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 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

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Introduction to Biotechnology Research

Invisible Hijackers: How Viruses are Used in Biotech

High School, College, and Professionals

Multi-Week Hands-on Laboratory Courses

Genome Engineering Research Program

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

Ali Al-Hakeem

Linda McCarthy

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For High School STUDENTS

Medical Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship

Join the ULP Empowers Community

Testimonials

Employment Training Panel

Frequently Asked Questions

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