Hk Maker Lab is a six-week biomedical engineering program that challenges high school students to solve real-world medical problems. During the first three weeks of the program, students learn the engineering design process through a series of workshops led by Dr. Aaron Kyle (Columbia University). A series of lab activities will introduce students to the basics of electrical circuitry, programming, and fabrication while providing them with insights into the ways that technology can interact with the human body.
During the last three weeks of the program, students work in teams of four to research real-world health or medicine problems to solve. Once selected, each team uses the resources available at the department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to create working prototype solutions to those problems. On the final day of the program, each team presents their devices through oral presentations and a poster session.
Hk Maker Lab runs for two months in the summer through July and August with an opportunity for an internship for the following summer. Monday–Thursday, for six consecutive weeks with a final pitch event on the last day of the program.
Location(s)
- Mudd Building of Columbia’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, New York, New York
Schedule
- July-August
Cost/Compensation
- Travel and lunch stipend (given after the program is completed)
- Paid prize for the winning team
- Exemplary students are eligible for a paid internship in a biotech company or research lab at Columbia.
Eligibility Requirements
- Hk Maker Lab is committed to serving NYC high school students from low-income communities.
- Attend a NYC high school during this academic school year
Note: Due to the rigor and demands of the program, preference will be given to rising juniors and seniors.
- Demonstrate economic or educational disadvantage based on the below criteria:
a. Applicant attends a NYC high school with a Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL) rate of 70% or higher OR Applicant family income qualifies for FRPL, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or other similar government aid but attends a NYC high school with a FRPL rate below 70% (you can check your school here). Documentation of Government aid qualification must be provided with application materials
Deadline
- Late March
Application or Entry Requirements
- Academic History
- Current High School Transcript
- Attendance Record for the 2018-19 School Year
- Essays (1-4)
- One letter of recommendation
o Your recommender should be a math, science or engineering teacher. Your recommender should also be a teacher, mentor, counselor, advisor, or employer who knows you in a professional, academic, or volunteer context. Select a recommender that can relate specific and relevant details about your performance, skills, and unique abilities. Relatives may not provide a recommendation
- Proof of FRPL qualification (only if your high school has a FRPL rate below 70%)
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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The NYC Science, Research, and Mentoring Consortium aims to increase access to science fields and careers for young people of all backgrounds by providing authentic science research opportunities and meaningful mentorship. With many connections to NYC public universities, the scholars, mentors, educators, and partners at The Consortium comprise a community that supports and empowers the next generation of professionals in the sciences.
