2021 R Camps

R Programming & Machine Learning Camp for High School StudentsmiRcore-name

In this research camp, students will identify cancer biomakers and categorize cancer samples using microRNA expression data from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas)

This camp provides statistical methods in the context of disease research. It is for current (2020-21) high school and exceptional 8th grade students who want to learn computer programming in relation to future biomedical applications. R is a statistical tool and programming language with excellent graphic options, useful in various application areas such as medicine, public policy, and economics. After R is introduced, the students will assess current biomedical problems and identify useful tools for research. Students will be encouraged to write a program to aid in biological research and to share the program online as authors such as through GitHub.

The R Programming Camp is not just a programming camp; it provides essential tools and datasets with which students can develop their own research projects. Students will learn TCGA big data analysis using microRNA sequencing data of cancer patients. We will use an R machine learning package during the camp.

Date Time
Session 1   July 12 – July 23, 2021  9 am – 12 pm (Central Time)
Session 2   July 12 – July 23, 2021  1 pm – 4 pm (Central Time)

Session 1 is for students with little or no coding experience.

Session 2 is for those with some coding experience. In Session 2, we will assume all campers have basic coding experience and will move fast in teaching.

The main differences between the two sessions are directions.

Session 1 students will be guided through each task step-by-step (guided learning). Session 2 students will figure some steps out for themselves (self-guided learning).

All miRcore camps are research camps packed with intense and advanced content, building from the ground up. No prior knowledge is needed, but active engagement is required both in learning and in playing group games.

LOCATION:  Online

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Academically motivated current (2020-21) high school and exceptional 8th grade students interested in computers, math, science, and medicine.

FEE: $540 (Automatic basic memership included for all campers)

After reviewing your essay in the registration form, we will inform you regarding acceptance within 7-10 business days. If accepted, you will be sent payment options. Limited partial scholarships are available for financially-challenge students such as those in a free or reduced lunch program. Proof of income is required.

If you have a premium membership and this is the first camp: $420.00; if second camp: $460.

You may want to consider premium membership.

A computer with internet connection is required to join the online camp.

REGISTRATION FEE: $25 (your registration is finalized after the fee is received).

Session 1 Registration Session 2 Registration

Students with camp certificates will be qualified to become miRcore volunteers. Students in the high school volunteer program, which runs throughout the school year, determine a disease of focus for the year, and collaborate with similar level students in researching the disease. Out-of-state students can join the volunteer meetings through an online meeting platform.

Sponsor: Women In Science and Engineering (WISE)

wiselogo

Goals

  1. Expose high school students to career opportunities in biomedicine through hands-on experience in computational genomics and prepare them for the emerging era of medical genomics, when all doctors must be well-acquainted with genetic discoveries, technologies, and applications.
  2. Identify potential GIDAS (Genes In Diseases And Symptoms) club leaders at their schools.

Specific Aims

  1. Understand current biomedical problems in terms of genetics and what is required to contribute to next-generation medical practices.
  2. Understand biology concepts through solving problems in R.
  3. Become familiar with statistics and the R programming language.
  4. Identify projects useful for next generation research.
  5. Try R machine learning package for patient diagnostics (pilot).
  6. Write an R program useful to the biological research community and share/publish it online.

Day by Day Focus

Week 1 Mon-Tue Week 1 Wed-Thu Week 1 Fri-Week 2 Mon Week 2 Tue-Wed Week 2 Thu-Fri
Biology Themes Big Data and TCGA Gene Expression and Target Regulation by miRNA Statistics and Biomarkers Tumor Identification and Prediction Specific Cancer Biomarkers and Social Impacts
R Skills RStudio, RMarkdown, Functions, Data Structure Graphs Programming Logic Packages and Machine Learning Using R to Analyze Specific Cancer Data
Goals Understanding why we use big data and getting used to RStudio Communicating information graphically Using R to compare gene expressions, and connecting miR biomarkers and regulation Analyzing a real data set to identify case/control with and without biomarkers Presenting connections between miRNA expressions and cancer

Tentative career focus

Medical informatician
Physician (medical)
Entrepreneur
Programmer 

Friday

Each group will present research project with a program developed throughout the week. 

Refund Policy

The $100 administrative fee will not be refunded once the camp application is accepted.

If a student withdraws, the camp fee paid minus the administrative fee will be refunded if we are notified by May 17, 2021.

If a student withdraws between May 18, 2021 and three weeks before the camp starting date, we will refund 50 percent of the camp fee paid.

No refund will be given after three weeks before the camp starting date.