The G. John DiGregorio Summer Science Program
Read the Abstracts and see the Final Posters from the 2012 G. John DiGregorio Summer Science Program!
What is the G. John DiGregorio Summer Science Program?
The G. John DiGregorio Summer Science Program is a full time, 8-week forensic science research program held annually during the summer. Our high school students are given orientation in laboratory safety and practice, laboratory skills, and analytical chemistry. Students are assigned hands-on research projects conducted at the Forensics Mentors Institute. Students are guided through their research by Forensic Science Graduate students from Arcadia University as well as practicing forensic scientists and FMI staff. The pairing of students with mentors helps the high school students develop new thinking and scientific skills, and to express their ideas as well as learn from the opinions of their peers. The program is sponsored by the Fredric Rieders Family Renaissance Foundation and NMS Labs, in Willow Grove, PA.
The program prepares students for college and beyond, gives them the perspective of a real workplace environment, and opens their eyes to the opportunities in a scientific career. Many program alumni have gone on to study science at prestigious colleges and universities, and to have successful careers in laboratory science, medicine, business, government and law. Projects started in the summer research program have often been expanded and presented at national and regional scientific conferences, including the Northeastern Association of Forensic Sciences (NEAFS) and the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students selected for the program can apply for available scholarships and travel stipends.
Benefits
Our rich learning environment includes:
- Forensic science instruction and demonstrations
- Learning and performing basic laboratory techniques
- Preparing samples for analysis
- Chemical analysis using state-of-the-art instrumentation
- A strong grounding in public speaking and presentation skills
- Group collaboration
Students also have the chance to participate in fun and interesting seminars and workshops with leading professionals in forensic science.
In addition to the academic benefits the program offers, students are also given many opportunities for extracurricular enhancement. Every year, our high school students are given a tour of Arcadia University, the home of our graduate student mentors, and NMS Labs, a local forensic laboratory. Every summer program concludes with two highlights: Talent Day and a picnic at Alverthorpe Park in Jenkintown, PA.
Scholarships and Stipends
In past years, the FMI has been awarded grant funds from the American Chemical Society (ACS) as part of the SEED Project for high school students. Names of eligible students will be submitted to the ACS for possible grant awards.
Eligibility
High school students must be at least sixteen years old, and must be enrolled with passing grades in at least basic biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English. Additionally, students must exhibit a desire to explore science and humanities. Students must demonstrate good academic potential as evidenced in official transcripts. Two letters of recommendation are also required. The applicant must agree to abide by the FMI guidelines of ethical conduct.
Our History
The Forensics Mentors Institute was created in 1999 by Dr. G. John DiGregorio and his colleague Robert McMichael. Having previously taught a summer high school science research program at Hahnemann Medical School, “Dr. D” and Bob sought to use their experience to realize Dr. Fredric Rieders’ goal of supporting and encouraging education in the sciences for young people in the Philadelphia area. Dr. G. John DiGregorio served as Executive Director of the FMI program from 1999 – 2010. Though he has retired as Executive Director, his love for teaching and mentorship inspires today’s staff and participants in the program, and he continues to have an active role in challenging and guiding our program today as Director Emeritus. In light of this influence, the summer program was renamed “The G. John DiGregorio Summer Science Program.”