For Temple Douglas and other students in the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP), summer is more about lab experiments and research projects than vacation.This program for high school juniors and seniors and undergraduate students places participants alongside researchers in the College of Science (COS) and Mason’s Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study to perform scientific research.

Offered through the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine in COS, the program was established in 2007 by codirectors Lance Liotta and Emanuel Petricoin.The students use the latest technology and work on real-world experiments—not just classroom-style projects— that may result in research findings that are published in top-tier scientific journals.

The experience that students gain through ASSIP sets them apart from their peers. Douglas, a participant in 2009 and 2010, learned about the program through her school’s database of summer opportunities. “I had never done research before,” she says, “and I wanted to try it over the summer. One of the categories was nanotechnology, which sounded really interesting.”

Because several of her family members have had Lyme disease, Douglas wanted to use a specific type of nanoparticle to discover biomarkers for the disease. She presented the idea to Liotta and Alessan- dra Luchini, her mentor, who encouraged her to pursue this research. Her experiments were successful, and she is now first author on a patent, as well as first author on a peer-reviewed article published in the December 2010 issue of the Journal of Biomaterials. Douglas’ test detects antigens from infected ticks and patient body fluids.This method allows earlier disease detection compared to the current antibody-based method.

Amy VanMeter, program director, emphasizes ASSIP’s unique aspects. “The program provides students the opportunity to become immersed in a cutting-edge research project, develop a scientific skill set, learn about the abundant career opportunities in science, and present their exciting work to the community.

We believe programs like ASSIP will nurture future scientists who will be prepared to successfully enter the workforce.”For students, developing research skills and learn- ing to think critically about science are key abilities and expertise for their future education and careers. Douglas finds that her ASSIP experience has benefited her in many ways. “I’m at Princeton [University] now, studying engineering, and the problem-solving skills I learned while working in the lab are invaluable. My mentor, Alessandra Luchini, was very supportive and helpful—always willing to explain concepts. ASSIP and the Center [for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine] are a wonderful environment for learning.”