Cell Biology Academy (CeBA)

Mission

CeBA seeks to introduce high school students to laboratory research in Cell Biology. Participation in this program will help students develop several scientific skills including hypothesis formulation, practical bench skills, data analysis, and dissemination of results. Participants will be mentored by a current researcher in the Duke Cell Biology Department and participate in several activities outside of laboratory research such as career seminars and scientific journal clubs.

Program Description

Duke University's Department of Cell Biology is offering a paid summer research opportunity to high school juniors and seniors. Participants will complete an independent research project under the guidance of a graduate student or postdoctoral scholar. They will get to see what it is like to be a cell biologist working in a research laboratory. Our goal is to encourage the next generation of young scientists by giving them the confidence and experience to launch their careers!

Students will be awarded $2,400 upon completion of this six-week program (2025 dates tbd). Students who are from under-represented backgrounds in the sciences are encouraged to apply!

Eligibility

- Applicants must be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior, or at least fifteen (15) years old by June 25, 2025.

- Applicants should have a strong interest in studying biology in college or exploring a biological career.

- Students from under-represented backgrounds (link) are highly encouraged to apply.

- Students are expected to be on-site for the duration of a normal work day (approximately 9 AM - 5 PM).

- Students must have transportation to and from the Duke University campus. CeBA does not provide lodging.

- Students should be from the Research Triangle area.

Important Dates

Program dates for 2025 will be announced in the next months. 

Parents/guardians and admitted students will be invited to an orientation prior to the program start date.

The CeBA application portal will open in mid-January 2025.

Mentors

If you are interested in serving as a CeBA mentor, please fill out an interest form at https://forms.gle/qxkTvjujsCXMz6nT6 or email us at ceba@duke.edu. Duke graduate students, postdocs, and staff scientists are welcome, as are mentor pairs.

Contact Us

Please reach out to us with any questions! Our email is ceba@duke.edu.