in a Unique BioResearch Community
ABOUT US
Since our inaugural program in 2017, BioResearch Academy’s mission has been to enlighten young, motivated biological scientists on how to think creatively about research problems. It aims to inspire the next generation of researchers through transformative instruction and social learning within an intimate community of like-minded peers.
Our program
Curriculum
Developed by Prof. Samuel Kunes (and Martyna Petrulyte), our curriculum combines preparation for extracurricular competitions with the development of creative research skills through hands-on laboratory experimentation. We believe combining these two educational modalities works synergistically to prepare students for success in high school competitions and research endeavors, with lasting benefits in college and thereafter. It caters to both students with solid research foundation and with no prior lab experience.
In the classroom, students develop an understanding of a wide range of experimental methods and ability to interpret complex experimental data. In the laboratory, students conduct research to hone problem-solving skills and original thinking around experimental design challenges, real data, and interpretable results.
Practical Applications
To achieve in biology competitions:
- Theory Competitions: Biology Olympiad (USABO, IBO, etc)
- Research Proposal Contests: MIT THINK Scholars Program, etc
- Research Fairs: Regeneron ISEF, etc
- Stand out in university research internships
- Excel in rigorous research camps
- Devise original research project
A Unique BioResearch Community
Curious students don’t learn from instructors or curriculum alone. Social learning with intellectual peers is a critical part of discovery. The BioResearch Program gathers students interested in biology to learn from collaborators who will inspire, challenge, and bond with each other. Whether your interest is in biology competitions, conducting your own research experiments, or unyielding reading into biology topics, if you have a certain curiosity for molecular and cellular biology, you will find an intellectual incubator like no other here. Come celebrate the joy (and hard work) of discovery with us!
Location
As a fully immersive residential program, BioResearch Academy has carefully selected the facilities and location of Emmanuel College as host. The students will benefit from an enclosed, serene campus centrally located in Boston with proximity to recreation, restaurants, and world-class institutions:
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Fenway Park, Back Bay Fens (park greens & gardens)
- Harvard University, MIT in Cambridge
TESTIMONIALS
OUR TEAM
Prof. Kunes has been on the faculty of Harvard University for thirty years, where he teaches courses in cell biology and neuroscience. His research is in the fields of neural development and memory. Prof. Kunes has many years of experience in high school education, helping multiple generations of high school students achieve their educational goals. He is passionate about inspiring young scientists to develop creative problem solving skills to make greater future contributions to society through research.
Dr. Sam Kunes
Program Director
At Duke University Medical Center’s Hematology Department, Pei researched Huntington’s Disease as a first-year undergraduate. Later inspired by an education psychology course and compelled to learn his native language, he worked in comparative education in China and helped lead an education start-up from infancy to maturity at an international scale. Developing education programs that have shaped the lives of thousands of passionate students across the world has affirmed his appreciation for the extraordinary work of human development.
Pei Yen
Operations Director
Martyna is passionate about biology and science education. She was a bronze medalist in the 2012 & 2013 International Biology Olympiads (IBO) and gold medalist in the Lithuanian National Biology Olympiad (LitBO) in 2011, 2012, and 2013. She is a published author on science competition preparation, founded an online tutoring community platform, and has mentored over several hundred students over nine years.
Martyna Petrulyte
Academic Development
OUR TEAM
Prof. Kunes has been on the faculty of Harvard University for thirty years, where he teaches courses in cell biology and neuroscience. His research is in the fields of neural development and memory. Prof. Kunes has many years of experience in high school education, helping multiple generations of high school students achieve their educational goals. He is passionate about inspiring young scientists to develop creative problem solving skills to make greater future contributions to society through research.
Dr. Sam Kunes
Program Director
At Duke University Medical Center’s Hematology Department, Pei researched Huntington’s Disease as a first-year undergraduate. Later inspired by an education psychology course and compelled to learn his native language, he worked in comparative education in China and helped lead an education start-up from infancy to maturity at an international scale. Developing education programs that have shaped the lives of thousands of passionate students across the world has affirmed his appreciation for the extraordinary work of human development.
Pei Yen
Operations Director
Martyna is passionate about biology and science education. She was a bronze medalist in the 2012 & 2013 International Biology Olympiads (IBO) and gold medalist in the Lithuanian National Biology Olympiad (LitBO) in 2011, 2012, and 2013. She is a published author on science competition preparation, founded an online tutoring community platform, and has mentored over several hundred students over nine years.
Martyna Petrulyte
Academic Development
schedule dates
Student Arrival & Departure Schedule.
Student Arrival
Thursday July 6, 2023
Student Departure
Tuesday July 18, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is designed for high school students who are passionate or strongly curious about the biological sciences. They should have exposure to molecular and cellular biology and want to express their interest in future research and competitions. Because students find inspiration at different stages, we will consider younger students whose application demonstrates readiness for the curriculum. Advanced research concepts and research papers are made accessible to students through pre-program readings, during lectures, and via teaching assistant support.
