KURE Summer Bridge Program
The KURE Summer Bridge Program is for high school students who are planning to enroll in a science or math major at CSULB or 1st- or 2nd-year students majoring in science or math at CSULB. Participating students will be part of a team conducting research on environmental toxins that are common in household items or products.
Application period for this cycle has ended.
Program Dates
June 11, 2024 - July 18, 2024.
Timeline
Participants will work in the lab 3 days/week and receive up to $2,500 for their 6 weeks of research. Note: the 3 weekdays of research will vary from week to week, so we can accommodate the Juneteenth and Independence Day holidays.
A brief overview of each week’s activities is given in the table below.
| Week | Days | Toxin | Research Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6/11 6/12 6/13 | n/a | introductions; safety training; basic lab training; basic experimental skills; lab notebook; data analysis methods; data presentation |
| 2 | 6/18 6/20 6/21 | BPA | environmental policy; introduction to bisphenol A (BPA); standard curves; BPA extraction and detection; data analysis and presentation |
| 3 | 6/25 6/26 6/27 | TCS | environmental policy; introduction to triclosan (TCS); standard curves; triclosan extraction and detection; data analysis and presentation |
| 4 | 7/1 7/2 7/3 | BPA/TCS | purifying BPA and TCS from samples; data analysis for BPA and TCS purification; data analysis and presentation |
| 5 | 7/8- 7/12 | multiple toxins | Week 5 is self-paced and self-directed; no time in the lab; survey of environmental toxins; information about a toxin of interest |
| 6 | 7/16 7/17 7/18 | student-selected toxin | bioinformatics; chemical investigation on toxin of interest; data analysis; final presentation |
What are BPA and TCS?
Bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) are pervasive environmental toxins with human impacts that raise concerns. BPA, commonly found in plastics, epoxy resins, and thermal paper, leaches into food and water, exposing humans through ingestion and skin contact. Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent, is common in personal care products like soaps, toothpaste, and cosmetics, along with household items like plastics and textiles.
Both chemicals disrupt endocrine function by mimicking or blocking hormones. Endocrine disruption can lead to developmental abnormalities, reproductive issues, and increased risk of certain cancers. These toxins also persist in the environment, accumulating in ecosystems and potentially posing long-term risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Effective regulation and consumer awareness are crucial to reducing adverse effects of BPA and triclosan.
Program Goal
The goal of the program is to provide you with an understanding and appreciation for research, and to nurture your interest in science and math degrees and careers.
Project Objectives
- To increase your ability to apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom to research.
- To increase your understanding of the research process; that science is a creative process that creates new knowledge.
- To increase your knowledge of ethical conduct in your field.
- To increase your ability to interpret results in research and draw conclusions.
Benefits
- Hands-on research experience
- Gain an awareness of environmental toxins—where they are; where they come from; and how they affect human health.
- Professional and research career development.
- Up to $2,500 salary while participating in the program.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen
- Available during program dates
Application Requirements
Your Application Packet MUST include:
- KURE Summer Bridge Program Online Application.
- Personal Statement (5 paragraph essay, 2 page maximum) addressing the following:
- Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and share the top 3 reasons/motivations driving your interest in science research.
- Paragraph 2: Describe your short- and long-term career goals.
- Paragraph 3: Explain how the KURE Summer Bridge Program will help you reach these goals.
- Paragraph 4: Discuss your academic struggles or challenges and how you overcame them.
- Paragraph 5: Conclude with a summary of the previous paragraphs, adding anything else about you and your potential as a research scholar.
- 1- to 2-page Resume.
- Unofficial transcripts from previous institution(s).
- Application is due on or before May 29, 2024 by midnight.
Review your Application CAREFULLY! You must honor ALL requirements and deadlines to be considered for the program.
Participation is limited, so selection will be competitive. You are encouraged to gather all your application materials early and submit your application as soon as possible.
