BEAM Online

Online Research & Innovation

7.12- 7.26.2021*

* Pre-session starts on 6/21

UCI x GATI's Online Research & Innovation Program  for High School Students Interested in the Fields of Science, Tech, Engineering & Medicine! 

* On-campus program will resume in 2022 [BEAM Residential Session]. 

University-Level Online STEM Research & Innovation

UCI x GATI offers an enriching experience for gifted high school students to pursue their passion and interests in the ever-expanding fields of Biology,  Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Medicine (BEAM). Students will learn about current research of distinguished faculty at UCI. With a diverse and multidisciplinary set of research projects, students will be immersed in fields including, but not limited to: 

 

  • Mechanical / Chemical Engineering

  • Biomedical Engineering 

  • Anatomy and Neurobiology

  • Neurology and Neurological Surgery

 

In addition to developments and growth in research at the university level, students will participate in the innovative side of research. Students will be able to connect the dots and see the research process holistically by further developing:

 

  • Skills in collaborative group settings

  • Communication skills

  • Critical thinking skills

  • Entrepreneurship / Innovation

 

​

Why BEAM Online?

01/

Get Certified in a Variety of Lab Training

Become certified and equip yourself with lab safety basics, protocols and procedures applicable for the summer and future lab work.  (Find topics in the Pre-session description)

02/

Earn a Certificate of Research & Innovation Leadership

Work closely with research mentors as well as innovation mentors (UCI's business & entrepreneurship experts) to obtain hard and soft skills required for success in the fields of BEAM. 

03/

Learn with Intensity

Expect a fully-packed schedule, in which you will learn from various lecturers and speakers, work with research mentors in groups and prepare for your final presentation -- all the while working on your progress-based projects* with GATI mentors.

 

* Fellows can choose many projects (i.e. publication prep, business prep, college prep, etc) to supplement their personal goals. 

04/

Layers of Mentorship

Take advantage of high-touch mentorship from research mentors, innovation mentors and GATI mentors. And don't forget to attend the virtual roundtable with the Dean of undergraduate division!

 

Phases of BEAM Online 

PHASE I

6.21-7.11

PHASE II

7.12-7.26

PHASE III

7.26 - 8.31

I. Pre-Session: Online Lab Training / Orientation

  • Get certified in any or all of the topics:

    • Laboratory Safety Fundamentals

    • Bloodborne Pathogens

    • Formaldehyde safety

    • Hazardous Waste

    • Viral Vectors

    • Lab Animal Research Basic Training

    • Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats

    • Working with Mice in Research Settings

    • Working with Rats in Research Settings

  • Attend Orientation a week before the main session.

II. Main Session

  • Learn from lectures about up-to-date research, cutting-edge technology, real-world applications in the interdisciplinary fields of BEAM.

  • Learn about a specific research topic that you are matched with. Work with your research project group and conduct research under the guidance of research mentors and faculty. 

  • Organize research findings and prepare to present with your group. 

​

III. Post Session: Research Paper 

  • ​Comprehensive Program Fellows only

  • Complete written drafts under the guidance of research advisors.

  • Communicate with advisors and apply summer outcomes towards college and future success.

​

​

 

 Sample Day in the BEAM Online Main Session 

Note: The flow is not necessarily in order. 

Lectures*

Listen to different topics in the fields of BEAM and innovation from professors, industry leaders, and prominent guest speakers. 

Office Hours

Schedule and meet with program directors or mentors whenever you need assistance.

Virtual Lab*

Break into assigned research project groups. Watch demonstrations of lab experiments and follow faculty's instructions.

Independent / Group Work

Complete your group or individual assignments. Prepare for the final presentation.

Research Session

Meet your research mentor  with your project group. Go through a step-by-step process of research that the project entails.

Progress-Based Project (PBP)

Make your experience relevant to your personal goals. Join a PBP to help you with publication, business launch or college prep.

* live or pre-recorded

BEAM Featured Faculty

Yama Akbari

Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurological Surgery

​

Dr.  Akbari's research revolves around investigating mechanisms underlying consciousness, coma, and global stroke with a focus on cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  His lab is the first cardiac arrest and resuscitation lab at UC Irvine, incorporating a combination of basic science, translational, and clinical research aspects. 

David Reinkensmeyer

Professor at the Anatomy and Neurobiology & Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

​

Dr. Reinkensmeyer's research activities focus on movement control, neuro-rehabilitation and robotics. One of his group's objectives is to develop physically interacting, mechatronic devices ("rehabilitators") to help the nervous system recover movement ability after neurologic injuries such as stroke or spinal cord injury. His group also is working to understand the adaptive control processes that enable motor learning throughout the life span.

​

Lawrence Kulinsky

Project Scientist at Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

​

Dr. Kulinsky is the Scientific Chair of the International Institution on Micro and Nano Manufacturing. He has authored more than 70 book chapter and other peer-reviewed publications as well as 16 patents and invention disclosures. His research focuses on the areas of micro- and nano fabrications, electro-active polymers, micro- and nano-fluidics, drug delivery systems, biosensor platforms, and electronic devices. 

Zuzanna Siwy

Professor of Physics & Astronomy

 

Professor Siwy’s research is in the field of experimental biophysics and condensed matter physics. Her current focus is using synthetic nanopores as templates for biomimetic channels as well as ionic diodes and ionic transistors. She is interested in new physical and chemical phenomena accompanying ionic and molecular transport at the nano-and microscales.

Tuition & Scholarship

Regular Program (Pre-Session + Main Session) Fees: $3,995 (Online Program) >> $3,495 
Comprehensive Program (Pre-Session + Main session + Post-Session) Fees: $5,995 
​
Scholarships Available for:
  • California residents
  • Students who demonstrate superior academic achievements and outstanding talents in research and innovation (LIMITED)