MCC Daily Tribune

CSTEP Wednesday Forum

On March 26, 2025, Dr. David Dean, Principal Investigator at University of Rochester Gene Therapy lab and Professor at the Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology (URMC), introduced to our CSTEP, LSAMP, EOP, and TRIO students the exciting world of scientific discovery through the principles of biology, with a focus on cellular structure and function, as well as organic evolution during our CSTEP Wednesday Forum.

Dr. Dean emphasized key topics that included cellular metabolism, molecular genetics, gene expression, Mendelian genetics, natural selection, and speciation.

In collaboration with the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), Monroe Community College’s CSTEP and LSAMP programs are dedicated to expanding opportunities for underrepresented minority students. Our goal is to provide these students with the necessary experience to pursue careers in research and laboratory-based fields.

To support this mission, investigators at URMC and the Director of CSTEP have partnered to recruit enthusiastic and intellectually curious MCC students for paid summer research internships.

Accepted students will be assigned to specific research projects within a designated laboratory. CSTEP/LSAMP students will gain hands-on experience, working closely with mentor-investigators and peers.

Each student will be expected to complete a structured set of experiments and present their findings in a virtual poster session at the conclusion of the program. These presentations will serve as an opportunity to practice scientific communication and celebrate the research accomplishments of all participants.

Mentor-investigators are committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment—one that encourages scientific curiosity, values diverse perspectives, and promotes intellectual growth. Through this collaborative initiative, we aim to inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Marshann Thomas, CSTEP – Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program

Marshann Thomas
CSTEP - Collegiate Sci. and Tech. Entry Program
04/04/2025