10 Years of Biorocket Celebration
Ten years. Ten cohorts!
This year, Genspace's Biorocket Research Internship Program turns 10 — ten years, of bright, curious students who have come through our doors to find out what it means to do science.
Since our first summer in 2017, 124 students have spent time in our lab learning to design experiments, troubleshoot the unpredictable reality of research, and build the confidence to pursue science as a career. Eighty percent have gone on to stay in STEM — some are in graduate school, some are entering the workforce, some are just starting undergrad, and others are still finishing high school. Many of them still point to Biorocket as a pivotal moment in their journey.
If you're reading this, chances are you were part of that — as an educator, program partner, funder, mentor, or parent. On August 14th, we'd love for you to help us celebrate.
And what better way to mark our 10th cohort than by showcasing this summer's interns? Our 2026 students took on three projects:
A microbiome study comparing the soil microbiome of parks with a history of radioactive waste to that of undisturbed natural parks
A CRISPR-Cas9 project targeting WHI5 — a gene that regulates cell growth — in yeast, then introducing conditions like caffeine to the growth media to see how the phenotype shifts
A biomaterials project using eggshells to design agriculturally beneficial coffins for sustainable burial
Please join us to see where these projects are headed, meet the students, and celebrate a decade of this program. There will be food, good company, and a few celebratory moments to mark the occasion.
Biorocket is made possible by the generous support of partners who believe that access to science should not be limited to traditional academic & industry settings. Our thanks to: the Pinkerton Foundation, Life Science Cares NY, New England Biolabs, the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program, and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.
Can't make it? You're also welcome at the interns' poster presentation:
NYC Science Research and Mentoring Consortium Symposium
Thursday, August 13th, 4:00–6:00 PM
American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, NY 10024 Hall of Ocean Life — under the blue whale
RSVP required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/student-research-symposium-tickets-1994187695078?aff=oddtdtcreator