Biotechnology
High School Summer Program
Engineer the Living World
Explore biotechnology through hands-on experiments, lab visits, and design challenges that connect science to real-world innovation.
Hands-On Simulations
From extracting DNA to building solar cells and prototyping a myoelectric arm, you’ll discover how engineered living systems drive breakthroughs in medicine, energy, and sustainability.
DNA & Enzymes
Dive into molecular and cellular biology with lab rotations that explore PCR techniques, gel electrophoresis, CRISPR, and ELISA.
Guest Speakers
Hear from experts in biotechnology. Check out some of our past speakers!
Dr. Eric Green
Director
National Human Genome Research Institute
Dr. Peter Marks
Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
FDA
Chelsea Powell
Device Engineer
AstraZeneca
Dr. Šeila Selimović
Program Director, Division of Discovery Science and Technology
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIH)
Trips & Tours
Go behind the scenes at places such as:
- Cytokinetics
- Illumina Inc.
- Skyline Labs
- J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Fisherman’s Wharf & Ghirardelli Square
- Pier 39
Locations, Dates, & Tuition
TryEngineering Summer Institute is a hands-on pre-college STEM program for high school students. Participants will attend classes in university classrooms, live in supervised campus dorms, and enjoy meals through campus dining—offering a safe, immersive preview of college life.
University of California, Berkeley
San Francisco, CA
$4,495
Session Dates
July 6 – July 14
July 18 – July 26
Biotechnology Module
Hydraulic Robot Arm Challenge
Students will design and build a sophisticated hydraulic robot arm with six degrees of motion, mastering the art of controlling its precise movements, and utilize mechanisms for lifting objects. This project will challenge your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of engineering principles.
Once every team completes the robot arm build, you will compete in two different team challenges! In the first challenge you’ll simulate a real-world production line. Working together, you’ll design and implement a system using your robot arm to transport materials along a simulated conveyor belt. In the second challenge, we will see which team can stack the highest number of dice using their robot arm.
Learning Outcomes
01
MECHANICAL Engineering Principles
Apply fundamental principles of mechanical engineering, such as force, motion, and leverage, to design, build, and operate a functional hydraulic robot arm
02
UNDERSTANDING OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Gain a deeper understanding of how mechanical components work together to create a complex system
03
ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
Experience the iterative design process firsthand, learning to design, prototype, test, and refine their robot arm based on observations and results
04
TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION
Work together in teams, communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and collaborate to achieve a common goal
FAQs
View all frequently asked questions
What is biomedical engineering?
Biomedical engineering combines engineering, biology, and medicine to improve human health. It focuses on developing devices and procedures that solve medical challenges, from artificial organs and prosthetics to imaging systems like MRI and tools that automate treatments such as insulin delivery.
What makes biomedical engineering unique is its direct impact on life and health. By working closely with physicians and healthcare providers, biomedical engineers create technologies that enhance both the quality and length of human (and even animal) life.
Am I eligible to attend the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute?
We encourage all 9th-12th grade students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership ability to apply to our summer programs. Students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school. Students may attend a program through the summer following high school graduation.
How do IEEE and NSLC work together?
Through the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, IEEE and NSLC have come together to create an incredible summer of experiential learning where high school students explore a future career in an engineering field through hands-on workshops and simulations.
All students will enroll through the NSLC website and have access to the NSLC Enrolled Student Portal to manage their program details. The NSLC team will provide support before, during, and after the summer. The NSLC Portal will provide students with logistical information about their program, including packing checklists, travel and shuttle information, and general program information.
IEEE and the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute are proud to partner with NSLC to foster the next generation of technology innovators through hands-on, interdisciplinary engineering education that empowers students to solve real-world challenges.
Give your teen a hands-on engineering summer.
The TryEngineering Summer Institute offers STEM programs for high school students with real engineering projects, robotics, aerospace, AI, and more at top universities. Explore our engineering summer programs and secure a spot today.