The Human Biology Lab Bootcamp is an intensive two-week wet and dry lab training program offered to students finishing their third or fourth year of studies in life sciences. It provides hands-on research experience, technical skill development, and guidance for students considering careers in biomedical research or related fields.
The HMB Program will host the 2026 Lab Bootcamp on May 4–15. This no-cost, ungraded program is designed for students with fewer opportunities to gain hands-on biology lab experience. The Bootcamp was conceived and designed in 2017 by University President Dr Melanie Woodin (then Director of HMB) by Dr Colleen Dockstader.
Unlike weekly lab classes, each day’s experiments build on the previous day’s work—like chapters of a story—so students follow multi-day workflows. Topics include DNA purification, restriction digestion, cloning, gel extraction, ligation, colony PCR, tissue culture and transfection, immunofluorescence microscopy, and more.
Groups of eight students are supported by one facilitator. Those accepted for the program are always looking to maximize their skills and knowledge without the stress of regular tests.
The program gives special recognition to Drs Colleen Dockstader, Jasty Singh, and Alan Wong for creating the lab manuals and designing this Bootcamp in 2017.
As this program progressed, professors and postdocs helped sustain the program, including Drs Jessica Pressey, Naijin Li, and Samuel Delage, as well as many facilitators who taught students and guided them through the course each day.
We look forward to welcoming this year’s cohort of dedicated students!