On Tuesday, the day centered around tissue culture and microscopy. In the morning, the students treated tissue cells with antibodies tagged with fluorescent molecules in order to visualize a specific protein in the cells. After a visit to the Bone Tissue Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University led by Dr. Phil Campbell, the students returned to the lab to view their stained cells under the microscopes.

Dr. Mary Rabinowitz, histologist at the Bone Tissue Engineering Center, explained the steps required for preparing bone tissue specimens for analysis. Here, Doug and Terrance examine a sample of bone tissue being encased in a plastic substance.

On Wednesday morning, campers learned about public health issues and HIV research done at Dr. Charles Rinaldo's HIV research lab at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health. In the afternoon, they participated in a disease transfer simulation activity, then performed a protein assay comparable to the Western blot test used to detect the presence of HIV.

Here, a lab technician working with Dr. Rinaldo explains the interpretation of Western blot HIV test results to Haoqian. Later that afternoon, the students performed a similar "dot blot" protein assay to detect the "disease" protein after the disease transmission simulation.

On Thursday morning, the campers used a sample of their own DNA to create a partial DNA fingerprint, learned about the progress in finding a cure for childhood leukemia from Dr. Seth Corey, and discussed forest ecology during a lunchtime lecture with Dr. Walt Carson. The afternoon was devoted to visiting research labs in the Department of Biological Sciences to speak with faculty, graduate students, lab technicians, and undergraduate researchers.

Here, Jim collects a sample of his own DNA by rinsing his mouth with salt water to collect cheek cells. After the DNA was prepared, it was used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to create a DNA fingerprint. The PCR reaction is a procedure frequently used in forensic crime labs.

Looking on is undergraduate camp volunteer Patrick Shea. Patrick was one of several volunteers for the week who helped prepare for labs, answered questions, and talked about their experiences at the University of Pittsburgh with the participants.

I enjoyed the camp and labs. My interest was elevated to a new level and I want to do this even more. - Jim

Here, Chris Farrell, undergraduate researcher in Dr. Susan Gilbert's lab, demonstrates some of the techniques used in his research project to Terrance and Phil.

It was a one-of-a-kind experience. - Phil

Special thanks to the following Department of Biological Sciences research professors who generously took time out of their schedules to speak with the camp participants:

• Dr. Susan Gilbert
• Dr. Graham Hatfull
• Dr. Jeffrey Hildebrand
• Dr. Jeffrey Lawrence
• Dr. Steven Tonsor

On the final morning of the Biology Research Camp, the students used column chromatography to purify green fluorescent protein produced by bacteria, and analyzed the gel electrophoresis pictures of their DNA fingerprints. In the afternoon, informal presentations were given on the research labs visits.

Here, Carl carefully loads his DNA sample into the electrophoresis gel box. The DNA is carried through the gel by an electric current, thereby separating the DNA pieces by size and shape, and resulting in a unique banding pattern. For most of the students, the camp provided their first experience with micropipetting and gel electrophoresis - the basic tools of molecular biology research.

The week wrapped up with informal presentations about the Department of Biological Sciences research lab visits. Camp participants described research being done in the labs they visited, as well as what they learned about life as a research professor, graduate student, and undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh.

I really enjoyed the camp a lot. It was a lot of fun. I wasn't sure if I definitely wanted to go into biology in college, but now I'm positive! - Shalini