SHARP! Program

Session offered:

June 15th – July 24th, 2026

Locations:

• Various research laboratories, the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Campus
• Surgical Innovation Training Laboratory, SITL, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago

Schedule:

Daily Schedule:

• 9 am: Drop off will occur at the SITL, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago.
• 9 am – 3 pm: Mornings and most afternoons will be spent in apprenticeship at the research laboratories.
• 12 pm: Students will convene for the daily lunch talk, which will include a variety of activities, including scientific talks, data interpretation, featured scientists outlining their career pathways, and in-depth discussion of careers in the fields of biomedical engineering, medicine, or surgery.
• 3 pm -5 pm: Group project work in BioDesign, workshops in biological, biomedical engineering, medical lectures, engineering lectures, robotic surgery skills using the robotic surgery consoles in the SITL, and emergency medical skills

• Saturday, April 18, 2026- SHARP! Biomed Breakthrough Challenge 9am-5pm

Expectations for the Successful Participant:

The SHARP! Program is built on a foundation of respect: respect for the pursuit of science, respect for professionals dedicated to scientific careers, and respect for those eager to learn about science. Professionalism is required at all times.

Training Requirements

Participants must complete the following mandatory training modules prior to the first day of the program:

1. Biomedical Safety Training
2. Biohazards Training
3. Biomedical Orientation Training

Failure to complete both the online and in-person components of these training modules will result in forfeiture of participation. Upon acceptance into the program, detailed instructions for accessing these modules will be provided.

Program Commitments

1. Research Presentation:
   Participants are expected to deliver a student research presentation at the SHARP! Symposium on the program’s final day. The symposium provides an opportunity to share findings with the scientific community, family members, and peers, highlighting the culmination of the six-week experience.
2. Biomedical Skills Development:
   Throughout the program, participants will learn biological and biomedical methods via hands-on research experiences and through afternoon workshops. Students are expected to:
   • Maintain a detailed lab notebook documenting daily activities, experimental steps, and observations.
   • Develop an understanding of how experimental methods are applied in hypothesis testing.
   • Build practical bench skills that can be applied in future biomedical research.
3. Clinical Immersion Experiences:
   Participants are immersed in firsthand clinical and surgical applications of biomedical science and engineering through structured, hands-on training experiences. This component introduces foundational medical and surgical skills, including a supervised suturing laboratory, robotic surgery simulation using Intuitive Surgical robotic platforms, and certification in the nationally recognized STOP THE BLEED program and related emergency medical response skills. Instruction is complemented by guided faculty-led discussions that connect biomedical engineering concepts to real-world clinical and surgical applications, with particular emphasis on operative care, technology-enabled surgery, and translational impact across health-related fields.
4. SHARP! Ambassadorship
   SHARP! participants will be encouraged to cultivate and maintain mentorship relationships as they advance into their Ambassadorship, which comprises two key components during the school year:
   • SHARP! Biomed Breakthrough Challenge: SHARP! Ambassadors will spearhead teams at their respective high schools to participate in the SHARP! The Biomed Breakthrough Challenge Competition is held in April. Ambassadors and their teams will tackle topics announced in September, fostering collaborative problem-solving and innovation. Teams are required to attend weekly biomedical and medical didactic /coaching sessions designed to enhance their understanding of competition topics and aid in developing proposed biomedical solutions. Ambassadors are expected to guide their teams through this process, honing leadership and project management skills.
   • Outreach to Underserved Communities: Ambassadors will design and implement a two-part science education program for underserved 6th-grade students, focusing on a biomedical topic. This initiative involves creating a comprehensive lesson plan, visiting the school, and delivering the program over two afternoons during the school year. This activity aims to inspire younger students, promote STEM education, and allow Ambassadors to develop teaching and communication skills.
   • Through these activities, SHARP! Ambassadors will gain leadership experience, deepen their biomedical knowledge, and positively impact their communities while preparing for future academic and professional pursuits.

Application and Requirements

• Age requirement: The applicant must be 16 years old at the beginning of the session and must be able to attend all activities.
• Consent requirement: Parental/guardian Consent is required.
• Official transcript: An official transcript will be required once the applicant is offered an interview.
• Two Recommendation Forms are required (Find the template in the Application form): We kindly request one recommendation form be submitted from a math or science teacher. The second recommendation can be from an employer, teacher, clergy, or anyone else who knows the student well and can comment on their work ethic, curiosity, interest in science and/or math, and communication skills. The form for the recommendation letter can be found here and should be directly emailed to Dr. Zhinan Wang, znw@uic.edu.

The participant must be committed to serving as a SHARP! Ambassador, engaging in two key activities: leading a SHARP! The Biomed Breakthrough team at their high school and teaching two immersive science sessions at an elementary school. At their high school, the Ambassador will assemble and lead a team to compete in the SHARP! BioMed Breakthrough Challenge. This involves organizing team meetings to develop a proposed solution and attending UIC preparatory sessions, either via Zoom or in person at UIC, alongside their team members. For the elementary school outreach, the Ambassadors as a group will conduct two teaching sessions for 6th-grade students on a biomedical topic, incorporating hands-on activities to enhance learning and STEM engagement.

If selected for an interview, applicants must be able to attend an interview on either Wednesday, February 12 or 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Surgical Innovation Training Laboratory, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL. Parking is available at the Wood Street Parking lot, 1100 South Wood Street.

Program Tuition and Additional Costs

Tuition for the 11-month program is $3,500, which includes all workshops and research materials and monthly didactics during the school year. Scholarships may be available according to financial need. Please inquire with one of the course directors.

Lunch Options

1. Student may bring their own lunch

2. Student and Faculty Cafeteria:
Students may choose to purchase lunch from the cafeteria located in Student Union West.
Options include sushi, burgers, Thai, and other cuisines, with pricing varying by selection.

Travel and Boarding

This is a daily program, and participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Boarding costs are not included in the program fees.