-
- Posted Friday July 25, 2014
Helios Scholars ready for the future following TGen experience
Hands-on scientific research internships help build Arizona's biomedical workforce
PHOENIX, Ariz. - July 25, 2014 - The 45 interns
in the 2014 Helios Scholars at TGen summer internship program
graduated today, following a daylong scientific symposium at the Sheraton
Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
Arizona's future leaders in biology and medicine worked for eight
weeks in one of the nation's premier scientific internship
programs, sponsored by the Helios Education Foundation in
partnership with the Translational Genomics Research Institute
(TGen).
At today's symposium, students presented scientific posters and
oral presentations about their biomedical investigations, which
were conducted under the one-on-one guidance and mentorship of TGen
researchers. Like their mentors, Helios Scholars use cutting-edge
technology to help discover the genetic causes of diseases such as
diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, infectious disease and many types of
cancer.
This is the eighth class of Helios Scholars at TGen, funded for 25
years by Helios Education Foundation. Helios is focused on creating
opportunities for individuals to succeed in postsecondary education
by advancing the academic preparedness of all students and
fostering a high-expectations, college-going culture in Arizona and
Florida.
"TGen's summer intern program enables students to learn first-hand
what it is like to work in a professional scientific environment,
and helps them discover the skills they will need to make important
contributions in science and medicine," said Helios Education
Foundation President and CEO Paul Luna. "The Helios Scholars at
TGen program is helping prepare students for further academic
success and for meaningful careers that not only benefit them, but
will improve people's lives through breakthrough medical and
scientific research."
The program is open to Arizona high school, undergraduate and
graduate level students, including those in medical school.
"Our partnership with the Helios Education Foundation helps
prepare a new generation of biomedical investigators for Arizona,"
said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen's President and Research Director. "As
we help them explore the biosciences beyond the classroom, TGen
provides them with opportunities to participate in potentially
life-changing research that can benefit actual patients."
Helios Scholars also participate in professional development
programs in science communication, public speaking, and basic
business etiquette. This year's interns were selected from among
more than 500 applications.
"Our students arrive here with a passion for science and
medicine," said Julie Euber, TGen's Education and Outreach
Specialist and supervisor of the Helios Scholars at TGen.
"Participating in authentic research projects helps shape their
skills and abilities, preparing them for a lifetime of discovery
and achievement in the biosciences."
The program application opens in January of each year for the
following summer at www.tgen.org/intern.
# # #
About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation is focused on creating opportunities
for individuals to succeed in postsecondary education by advancing
the academic preparedness of all students and fostering a
high-expectation, college-going culture in Arizona and Florida. The
Foundation focuses its investments across the education continuum
in three key impact areas: Early Grade Success, College and
Career Readiness and Postsecondary Completion. As an engaged
foundation, embedded in communities across both states, the
Foundation is contributing its expertise and financial resources to
better prepare students for college and career and to compete
successfully in a globally-competitive economy. Since 2006, Helios
has invested more than $140 million in education-related programs
and initiatives in Arizona and Florida. For more information about
the Foundation, visit www.helios.org.
Press Contact:
Rebecca Lindgren
Marketing Communications Director
Helios Education Foundation
602-381-2294
[email protected]
*
About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
