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- Posted Friday July 24, 2015
Helios Scholars at TGen graduate from summer biomedical research training program
45 students from across Arizona featured at today's symposium sponsored by Helios Education Foundation
PHOENIX, Ariz. - July 24, 2015 - Forty-five
students, representing Arizona's next generation of biomedical
research scientists, graduated today from an eight-week biomedical
training program at the Translational Genomics Research Institute
(TGen).
Sponsored by the Helios Education Foundation, the Helios Scholars
at TGen concluded its ninth year today with a daylong scientific
symposium, including student poster and oral presentations. Helios
Scholars competed at the symposium for awards, recognizing project
mastery and presentation skills, and were celebrated for their
achievements.
Helios Scholars at TGen is the research institute's flagship
summer internship and research program for Arizona students
pursuing careers in bioscience and medicine. Helios Scholars work
in TGen's laboratories - receiving one-on-one mentorship from TGen
scientists - as they pursue new discoveries about serious illnesses
such as Alzheimer's disease, infectious diseases and many types of
cancer.
"We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the Helios
Scholars at our annual symposium,"said Brandy Wells, TGen
Director of Public Affairs and Education. "The event serves not
only as a showcase for their individual biomedical research
accomplishments,but also demonstrates the hugewealth of
talent and drive among Arizona students.TGen scientists
prepared them with quality mentorship and training so that they
will be able to tackle the biomedical challenges of complex human
diseases."
Funded for 25 years through a $6.5 million award from Helios
Education Foundation, Helios Scholars at TGen educates, trains, and
inspires the next generation of researchers and physicians in
Arizona.
"Over the past nine years, we have seen nearly 400 Helios Scholars
learn from first-hand experiences in professional scientific
laboratories at TGen, helping them prepare for success in college
and career," said Paul J. Luna, President and CEO, Helios Education
Foundation. "We are pleased to partner with TGen and are looking
forward to next summer's 10th class of Helios Scholars at TGen,
providing them with a stellar summer internship that not only
benefits them, but that will improve people's lives through
scientific and medical research."
The program is open to Arizona high school, undergraduate and
graduate level students, including those in medical school. This
summer's ninth class of Helios Scholars at TGen were selected from
more than 600 applicants.
In addition to full-time, patient-focused research, Helios
Scholars participate in professional development seminars,
including science communication, public speaking, and basic
business etiquette.
Past interns boast an array of impressive accomplishments,
publishing scientific abstracts, scientific articles, and
acceptance into medical and graduate schools.
Program applications for the 10th class of Helios Scholars at TGen
starts in January 2016 at www.tgen.org/intern.
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About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation is focused on creating opportunities
for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary
education by advancing the academic preparedness of all students
and fostering a high-expectation, college-going culture. Through a
decade of strategic partnership and investment, Helios has
identified Early Grade Success, College and Career Readiness and
Postsecondary Completion as the three most critical reform
priorities in achieving our long-term goal. 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 global economy. Since 2006, Helios has invested
over $155 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]
