Entering 10 – 12

Biotech Genetics

Are you curious about the future of gene editing? Discover the exciting field of biotechnology and learn how scientists are using a new technology called CRISPR to change organisms’ genes accurately and efficiently. These innovations in biotechnology seek to solve many of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as curing diseases and creating crops that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. Together, we’ll explore the science behind gene editing, use CRISPR to edit genes in bacteria, and examine the complex ethical questions this innovative technology raises. You will gain skills and knowledge about genetics and biotechnology while adding valuable experience to your college and career pathways.

Parents are invited at 3 p.m. on the last day for teens to share their projects.

A student conducts a biotech experiment during the Biotech Genetics teen research program

Program Info

Food: Lunch is provided. Teens bring a water bottle and snacks from home.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Location: UC Berkeley
Tuition: $1,465.00
Seeking Financial Aid? Learn More >

Session 1: 06/23/2025 – 06/27/2025
No Residential Option

Session 2: 07/07/2025 – 07/11/2025
Optional Residential Add-on runs Sunday, July 6, 5:00 p.m. to Friday, July 11, 5:00 p.m. Residential add-on includes additional programming, on-campus housing, breakfast, and dinner. Limited spots available!
Residential Tuition: $1,255

Session 4: 07/21/2025 – 07/25/2025
Optional Residential Add-on runs Sunday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. to Friday, July 25, 5:00 p.m. Residential add-on includes additional programming, on-campus housing, breakfast, and dinner. Limited spots available!
Residential Tuition: $1,255

Sample Day

7:30 a.m.

Wake-up for residential teens!  Residential teens enjoy breakfast & walk together to campus

9:00 a.m.

All teens sign in with instructors
Welcome activities and icebreakers
Opening Circle- group check-in and framing the day
Explore STEM concepts and hands-on investigations in your track
Mid-morning break with teens from other tracks
Hands-on investigations and exploration cont.

11:45 a.m.

Lunch break in campus cafeteria Social time with teens from other tracks

12:45 p.m.

Continued investigations and explorations in your track
Various lab tours and guest speakers
Afternoon break with teens from other tracks
Closing Circle- reflection prompts and preview of what’s ahead

 4:00 p.m.

College Pathways Programming
Campus or other tours 
Meet and talk to current college students 
Meet and talk to professionals from a range of STEM career fields

 5:00 p.m.

Commuter teens sign out with instructors
Residential teens walk together to dorms and enjoy some well deserved downtime 

 6:30 p.m.

Dinner
Evening program 
Free time

10:00 p.m.

Lights Out!

Activity Highlights

  • Activity Highlights 
  • Practice sterile technique
  • Restriction enzyme mapping 
  • Gel electrophoresis 
  • Bacterial transformation using plasmid DNA 
  • Gene editing with CRISPR
  • Discuss and debate the ethics of various gene editing applications
  • Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR)
  • Tour of Innovative Genomics Institute
  • Meet and mix with teens across other STEM tracks
  • Meet and talk to students and STEM career professionals
  • Project presentations and certificates

Unlocking the Code of Life: Exploring the Future of Biotech Genetics!

Staff Bios

Phoebe Hall

Phoebe received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago where she did her thesis on butterfly genetics. She is a biologist working as a strain engineer in the alternative protein industry. This summer Phoebe serves as an instructor in a wide range of Teen Research Programs at The Lawrence.

When not doing science, Phoebe loves playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, and crocheting. 

Gean Hu

Gean Hu is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley majoring in Bioengineering and Computer Science. She currently studies protein dynamics in endocytosis and is interested in learning more about computational biology and science education.

In her free time, she is an avid (but not very skilled) video game player and amateur cover artist.