Global health scientists of the future

Updated Nov 28, 2011, 9:02am
Text and photography by Marc Weinberg

Shorecrest student Amina
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Amina, a student at Shorecrest High School, is one of many local students who have developed a passion for science and global health through the BioQuest experience. 

As a participant in BioQuest Academy—a two-week science immersion program—Amina conducted biomedical research activities within the footprint of a world-class research institution and received mentoring that helped her discover her own potential to make a lasting impact on global health.

In many countries, a 16-year-old may have already lived half her life. The burden of infectious disease — including 14 million deaths every year — means short life expectancies. 

The future is in her sights
Photo by Marc Weinberg

But right here in Washington State, a program called BioQuest is enabling teens to become the global health heroes who will lift this burden.

BioQuest is an educational program of Seattle Biomedical Research Institute that fosters scientific education among the youth of Washington State with the goal of building and inspiring a community that supports science and global health. 

This is the beginning for the doctors and scientists of tomorrow
Photo by Marc Weinberg

BioQuest’s unique, multi-disciplinary offerings reach thousands of individuals every year, providing them with unprecedented access to authentic science lab experiences, hands-on training in biomedical skills and unique opportunities to engage directly with leading global health professionals.

Finding a cure for malaria starts in this lab dissecting mosquitos
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Because of BioQuest and the inquiring minds of students like Amina, more young men and women are aspiring to be the global health scientists of the future who will have the knowledge, skills and compassion to create healthy futures for millions of people. 

The door to the future - a world free of infectious disease
Photo by Marc Weinberg

More information about participating in or supporting BioQuest at their website.

More photos by Marc Weinberg here.

Theresa Britschgi, BioQuest Director, adds:

BioQuest Academy is a 60-hour, immersive science job shadow program for high school juniors that since 2007 has been generously supported by Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) Grant Number R25RR024260 from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additional support was generously provided by the Byron and Alice Lockwood Foundation the Silver Family Foundation and BioQuest donors.