2026 Vitality Summer Research Workshops Recap
2026 Vitality Summer Research Workshops Recap
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Vitality Biosciences recently hosted two week-long workshops, which offered middle school students the opportunity to gain research skills and laboratory experience in a BSL-2 facility. Students collaborated to conduct advanced experiments and write a complete, comprehensive research paper. Continue reading to learn more about the activities for each session.
Jake, Zain, and Jupveer, Session 1 participants, pose proudly with Vitality researchers Cynthia (left) and Rithika (right) after their final presentation.
Session 2 students Siya and Ayan introduce their final presentation, which reports the results of their experiments with simulated human DNA, to their parents.
Session 1 Recap: Water Quality
Session 1 was focused on water quality testing, and the students learned various techniques to analyze samples. By the end of the program, students were able to compile their knowledge and summarize their experiment into a research paper on the subject.On the first day, students were introduced to lab safety and basic lab skills. They were instructed on proper procedures involving personal protective equipment, correct disposal of waste, and equipment handling. The students were practiced using micropipettes, centrifuges, balance, and a magnetic stirrer. The second day's topics included dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and pH. Students learned about proper culturing technique, and used provided water samples to grow cells on plates. A plate containing microbes from the lake water sample grew several colonies of bacteria! The students also used a TDS meter and pH strips. Following these lessons, the students were able to draw conclusions about how these parameters impact aquatic habitats.On the third day, the students measured nitrate and nitrite levels in the water samples; on the fourth day, they learned the concepts and procedure behind a titration lab, including moles, Avogadro’s number, and molar mass — they applied this knowledge to solve dimensional analysis problems.
On the last day, the students wrote their own research paper. Under the guidance of Vitality researchers, they connected the concepts that they learned throughout the week and accurately analyzed the quality of four distinct water samples. The session culminated in a final presentation, both engaging and informative, which they delivered to their family.
On the last day, the students wrote their own research paper. Under the guidance of Vitality researchers, they connected the concepts that they learned throughout the week and accurately analyzed the quality of four distinct water samples. The session culminated in a final presentation, both engaging and informative, which they delivered to their family.
Session 2 Recap: DNA Profiling
Session 2 students received an introduction to DNA profiling, ultimately carrying out a criminal investigation. They learned techniques for analysis of simulated human DNA samples, including a cheek swab for two suspects in addition to the sample found at the scene of the crime. Their task: use genetic evidence to identify the criminal. On the first day, as with Session 1, students were led through our curriculum for lab safety procedures and essential lab skills. On the second day, specialized research began: students learned how polymerase chain reactions (PCR) is used to replicate genetic material, then used a mini-PCR machine to create millions of copies of DNA from the experimental samples. The students also learned about DNA replication and cellular reproduction, diving into the specifics of mitosis and meiosis. On day 3, students ran the DNA copies from day 2 through gel. They learned why sections of DNA, separated by restriction enzymes, move at different speeds during gel electrophoresis; they also practiced using the unique genetic fingerprint of each sample as an identifying feature. For those wondering, the amplicons in lane 4, containing evidence from the scene of the crime, seemed to align with amplicons from lane 2, which had been loaded with Suspect 1's saliva sample!The fourth day focused on drawing conclusions based on results of gel electrophoresis, using genetic evidence to determine which suspect was the criminal. In groups, students completed full research papers. Finally, on day 5, after a last set of edits to their papers, each group prepared a presentation of their findings. The presentations were delivered to their parents, who were intrigued to learn about a practical application of DNA testing and, of course, find out who the murdurer was.
After months of planning, curriculum development, and teacher training, we are extremely proud of what students across both sessions were able to achieve. We are excited for future workshops, and are planning to host our next one in late November, during Thanksgiving break. If you are interested, please email vitalitybiosciences@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list. It's our privilege to continue guiding a future generation of researchers!
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