Produced by: Office of Marketing and Communications
April 10, 2013
For the second straight year, St. John's University has offered promising students from 23 local high schools an in-depth look at the opportunities a career in the sciences can afford them—as well as the considerable resources available to them in its Department of Biological Sciences.
The Science Honors Program for High School Students, created by Ivana Vancurova, Ph.D., Professor, Biological Sciences, consists of four monthly lectures delivered by some of St. John’s leading research faculty. Students also are given tours of the University’s research laboratories.
After last year’s extremely successful debut, word of mouth spread among the schools, and 160 students signed up from schools across New York City and Long Island.
Dr. Vancurova received such positive feedback about the program that she opened it this year to high school-aged children of St. John's University employees. “After the response we received, opening up the program made perfect sense,” she said.
The program is free and open to students from all New York-area high schools. Beginning January 19 and concluding on April 6, this semester’s lectures explored topics such as introductory biochemistry, cancer research, cellular biology, immunology and neuroscience. There are already plans to offer the program again next year.
"We’re delighted that this has become such a service to the community, as well as an effective tool for recruiting gifted students,” said Ales Vancura, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Biological Sciences. “It's great for our young participants and for St. John's—a win-win situation."
Dr. Vancurova created the program in response to numerous requests from high school students and counselors interested in opportunities for college-level research. "Rather than visit the individual schools,” she explained, “we thought this would be a great way to accommodate their requests, while showcasing the many resources available to them should they decide to attend St. John's."
Participants receive a certificate when they complete the program. Along with advanced science courses and extracurricular activities, an interest in college-level research gives high school students an edge when applying to college, Dr. Vancura said. Based on students’ testimonials, he believes a number of them will choose to attend St. John's.
Renee Barcia, teacher and Science Research Coordinator at Herricks High School, New Hyde Park, NY, applauded Dr. Vancurova's continuing efforts. "Her vision gives local high school students an opportunity to enrich their knowledge in the biological and physical sciences,” she said. “It also showcases the current research being conducted at St. John’s University."
"This was a wonderful experience," said David Zarowin, a freshman at Townsend Harris High School, in Flushing, NY. "The knowledge I gained will definitely be an asset when I apply to college—and to graduate and medical school."
In addition to Herricks and Townsend, 21 other high schools in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Long Island and Manhattan also participated in the program.