Interns showcase their work at day-long scientific symposium
Photo Courtesy of TGen
PHOENIX—July 29, 2022—The 16th class of Helios Scholars at TGen, the flagship internship program at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, today celebrated a summer of science by showcasing their work at a daylong scientific symposium.
The symposium is the capstone event for the eight-week program that supports students from all backgrounds in their efforts to develop foundational skills by placing them alongside faculty and staff. The event brought together TGen faculty, staff, families, and community members to celebrate the 45 graduates of the program. Designed for incoming and continuing undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students, Helios Scholars at TGen offers a one-of-a-kind summer experience in biomedical research under the guidance of an experienced TGen mentor.
“Mentorship is an integral part of the scientific experience, especially when you are in the formative stages of a career or, in the case of many Helios Scholars, gaining hands-on experience to validate a career choice,” said Kristen Kaus, Manager of Education and Outreach at TGen. “The symposium serves as a nod to their individual accomplishments and recognition of a significant step in their educational and career pursuits.”
A $6.5 million endowment from Helios Education Foundation in January 2008, officially established the Helios Scholars Program at TGen.
“Helios Scholars at TGen is one of the partnerships Helios Education Foundation is most proud of,” said Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. “Helios regards this scholarship endowment as one of the ways that we can help to keep superstar young talent in our state and thus we consider it a vehicle for creating a cycle of giving and giving back that we believe is so important.”
Since its inception, Helios Scholars at TGen has trained more than 650 students, many who have gone on to careers in Arizona’s biomedical research, healthcare, and life science sector. Scholars boast an array of impressive accomplishments including acceptance into top-tier graduate and medical schools, unique career developments, national awards and scholarships, and authorship on numerous scientific publications.
“Becoming a Helios Scholar helped me solidify the vision for my future,” said Freya Abraham, of Maricopa, Arizona, who attends the University of Arizona as a neuroscience and cognitive science major. “It allowed me to join a lab focused on a field I’m drawn to, apply and strengthen my lab skills, and learn more about a topic I hope to continue researching as my educational and professional career unfolds.”
For more information, contact Kristen Kaus, Manager, TGen Education and Outreach, at 602-343-8719, or kkaus@tgen.org.
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About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation invests resources all along the education continuum to ensure more students in Arizona and Florida have the opportunity to complete a postsecondary degree. Committed to the principles of Community, Equity, Investment, and Partnership, Helios improves educational outcomes for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, throughout Arizona, and in Florida’s metropolitan regions of Tampa Bay, Central Florida, and South Florida. Focused on the opportunities provided by an equitable education system, Helios seeks to change lives and strengthen communities by eliminating achievement gaps and increasing student attainment. Since 2004 Helios has invested more than $260 million in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving education outcomes in the two states we serve. Learn more about Helios Education Foundation at www.helios.org.
Media Contact
Kris Kurtenbach, Collaborative Communications, 202-255-2202
kurtenbach@collaborativecommunications.com
About TGen, part of City of Hope
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based nonprofit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life-changing results. TGen is part of City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. This precision medicine affiliation enables both institutes to complement each other in research and patient care, with City of Hope providing a significant clinical setting to advance scientific discoveries made by TGen. TGen is focused on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, diabetes and infectious diseases through cutting-edge translational research (the process of rapidly moving research toward patient benefit). TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and complex rare diseases in adults and children. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities worldwide, TGen makes a substantial contribution to help patients through efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @TGen.
Media Contact
Galen Perry, 602.343.8423, gperry@tgen.org
SOURCE: https://www.tgen.org/news/2022/july/29/helios-scholars-at-tgen-celebrate-a-summer-of-science/