Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy Overview

The program was established in 1960 by Cit of Hope's director emeritus of neurobiochemistry, Eugene Roberts, Ph.D. The primary goal of the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is to provide young people (high school and university students) with an opportunity for a "hands-on" research experience. This program seeks to find students who are curious, passionate about science, and possesses exceptional potential for performing biomedical research. By placing these students in research laboratories where they can experience the wonder of discover through the research process, we hope to inspire them to pursue careers in biomedicine.
 
Roberts Academy students have the opportunity to design and work on their own research projects in areas of specific interests. City of Hope faculty members act as mentors providing valuable guidance and support, while also encouraging independent thought and exploration. Roberts Academy students work closely with post-doctorates, graduate students, and lab personnel of the Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences. Through these experiences, students often form lifelong relationships with their mentors as they move forward on their educational journey.
 
An important objective of the program is to develop vital oral and written communication skills, which are so important in the world of seminars, colloquia, manuscript publication and grant writing, a world that is central to graduate student and postgraduate life. To this end, we provide students with the opportunity to present their research to their peers in a weekly student seminar series. Students also participate in Distinguished Seminar Series in which invited speakers, both internal and external. share their research and career ecperiences with the students followed by question and answer session. Through this process, the students develop an understanding of how a professional presentation is delivered while simultaneously exploring topics that they might not encounter outside of the program.  The program culminates with a poster session, allowing the students to present their research to their friends and family as well as the City of Hope community as a critical step in the development of their oral and written communication skills.
 

Program Meetings and Seminars

Along with attending their laboratory weekly meeting and journal clubs, students attend the program weekly meetings and seminars.  Faculty speakers educate students on various scientific topics such as well as more career-focused discussions regarding future directions as scientists and doctors. Additionally, students are given an opportunity to present their research project to the academy in an organized presentation, and the students attending the meeting are further educated on the various research topics conducted at City of Hope.
 
Poster Session

The Roberts Summer Academy hosts an annual Poster Session to provide the students with the opportunity to display their research project and findings. Each year students present posters highlighting their experimental accomplishments.  The poster session further facilitates the students’ learning and networking skills as they discuss their research results with faculty members, phyaicians, lab members, and the surrounding community.  Through this experience, students realize the contribution they are making to the growing knowledge of science through research.   Reflecting on the poster session, one student wrote, “Knowing I had something tangible to work towards was not only motivating, but enhanced my sense of personal accomplishment.”
 
Social Activities 

In order to foster a community atmosphere amongst the Roberts Academy Students, a number of social activities were offered including the following:
  • Summer Student BBQ Petribowl: Early each summer the entire cohort comes together for a picnic and a day of friendly games to allow the students to get to know each other and begin networking.  Following a BBQ lunch on the front lawn the students are broken into teams to compete in a variety of games including a relay race carrying stacks of petri plates, filling a beaker with water using a syringe and the day culminates with a water balloon fight.  Winning teams are awarded prizes and bragging rights. 
  • Popcorn and Ice Cream Socials: Students come together to enjoy a snack and socialize with their peers and faculty for an afternoon break.
  • Field Trips: Students are able to sign up for field trips that explore the rich science and art culture of Los Angeles and Orange County.