For most people, biomedical engineering, scientific research and lab work do not hold much appeal. But for one campus student, dreams of a medical career have a chance to take flight.
Anne Hierholzer, ’05, was awarded a position in the Summer Biomedical Internship (SBI) Program sponsored by University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), Fresno.
“”I am absolutely thrilled to get this internship,”” Hierholzer said. “”Since I plan to pursue a career in medical research this is a huge opportunity for me.””
According to the SBI program website, the goal of the internship is to “”expose promising high school students to medical careers early on so they can better plan their academic future. It is also hoped that this experience will encourage careers in medical research.””
Students accepted to the program are paired with a Central Valley doctor or scientist who is currently conducting research. The student spends their summer interning for the researcher, gaining hands-on experience in lab work and research techniques.
In addition to interning in a lab, students have the opportunity to take field trips each Friday to view research sites, including expeditions to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and to the UCSF medical campus.
“”The field trips are going to be so amazing,”” Hierholzer said. “”Last year they got to see nuclear weapons being made and watch lab workers do stem cell research. It will be so exciting to actually see things you usually only hear about!””
Only eight Valley students are chosen to participate in the program each year.
“”I’m really proud that one of our students finally got accepted to the SBI program,”” Rod Atchely, science teacher, said. “”Other students have tried for the program before, but they have never been accepted. Anne is getting an amazing opportunity to work with cutting-edge researchers.””
Started in 1988, the program was adopted as a “priority project to provide research opportunities to exceptional high school students interested in the biological sciences and health professions.
“”The SBI program provides students, at an important time prior to the college application process, with an opportunity to gain beneficial insights and experiences that allow for a more thoughtful approach to college selection,”” according to the SBI program website.
Principal Gary Schultz recognizes the honor that goes with being accepted to the program.
“”I’d say that this is a pretty big honor considering that this is the University of California at San Francisco’s medical school,” Schultz said. “It’s a significant recognition. There were between 80 and 100 students who applied, but they only chose eight of them. These are the top high school students who want to be doctors.
“We want to express sincere congratulation to her [Hierholzer]. Her being recognized signifies that she is one of the top students in the Valley.”
For more information about the SBI program, visit www. ucsfresno.edu/sbi/.
” “Madeline Ervin, Photographer” “Junior Anne Hierholzer will intern with the Summer Biomedical Internship program sponsored by the University of California at San Francisco beginning early June 2004.” “” “” “Summer Biomedical Internship (SBI) Program
