CCB launches FUEL program to empower undergraduate researchers
CCB has launched a new summer program designed to immerse pre-concentrator undergraduates in an intensive research and lab environment. The Foundational Undergraduate Experiences in the Laboratory (FUEL) program, part of the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV), runs from June 10th to August 10th. The inaugural program includes 10 Harvard freshmen who demonstrated a keen interest in life sciences research, participating in a transformative 10-week on-campus initiative. FUEL aims to provide these students with hands-on lab and research experience, alongside professional workshops, effectively preparing them for future research endeavors at Harvard.
Participants in FUEL are trained in various fundamental research techniques applicable to both biotechnological and chemical fields. Additionally, the program equips students with basic proficiency in Adobe Illustrator to create scientific figures and graphics, a crucial skill for modern researchers. One of the highlights of the program is the Lab Match Challenge, designed to connect students with Harvard faculty and research labs, fostering essential networking opportunities. The program culminates in a capstone project, where students present their scientific posters at a closing event in early August, showcasing the skills and knowledge they have acquired.
As an affiliate program of HSURV, FUEL offers participating students a comprehensive package, including a stipend, housing, and meals on campus. Students are also encouraged to engage in Village-wide activities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among summer researchers. All FUEL participants previously attended the Harvard College first-year seminar "Learning to Think Like a Scientist – An Introduction to Scientific Research," taught by Professor Dan Kahne and Lecturer Sien Verschave. This seminar acted as a precursor to FUEL, offering foundational knowledge and sparking the students' interest in continuing research during their undergraduate years. Through FUEL, CCB aims to foster scientific inquiry and equip the next generation of researchers with the tools they need to succeed.