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Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development

For high school students aged 16-18 who are passionate about science and interested in exploring the world of biomedical research, SPARKED (Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development), a collaboration between The Tisch Cancer Institute (TCI) and the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, provides hands-on research experience.

SPARKED offers a structured and supportive environment to develop strong laboratory research skills under the supervision of an assigned mentor selected from a diverse group of distinguished faculty at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Students work on developing their technical skills, learn to think critically and read scientific literature, and experience working with a mentor and as a team member.

Throughout the program, the team of co-directors provides ongoing support and assistance to ensure you get the most from this experience. The program further provides a workshop curriculum to enhance both your scientific knowledge and support you with college and career planning. A final presentation event gives you the opportunity to exchange ideas with your peers and colleagues and develop your presentation and team-working skills.

The program runs for a total of 10 months, with an initial four weekly pre-program preparation meetings, followed by six weeks over the summer (four days per week) in the lab, and then eight months part-time after school, to continue learning and developing your skills.

The 2025 application cycle is now closed, please check back December 2025.

Submit Application

Curriculum

While the majority of time is spent conducting mentored research, the program offers a range of activities and lectures to enhance your scientific knowledge and help you navigate first steps toward a career in the biomedical field.

The internship will start with four weekly virtual pre-program preparation meetings, with introductions to The Tisch Cancer Institute, the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, SPARKED program introduction (expectations, values, attitudes, goals), best laboratory practices, discussion about Mentor-Mentee relationship, and the fundamentals of cancer and developmental biology.

During the six-week full-time summer internship and into the school year, students participate in active science projects in one of The Tisch Cancer Institute or Institute for Regenerative Medicine laboratories, while also learning best practices in biomedical laboratory techniques. Students will work on developing their technical skills, learn to think critically, learn to read scientific literature, and experience working with a mentor and as a team member.

Students engage in scientific enrichment sessions as a group, visit The Tisch Cancer Institute shared resources (e.g. microscopy) and hear lectures from both clinicians treating cancer patients and leading scientists in cancer and regenerative medicine. Group meetings occur weekly and in person during the summer, and monthly on Zoom during the school year.

The program offers students the opportunity to discuss career planning and college applications including hands-on workshops focused on writing a resume and personal statement and conducting a successful admission interview. In addition, students further engage in group discussions on well-being and scientific research and medical care as it relates to our community.

Meet the Co-Directors

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Jamilia Sly, PhD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Population Health Science and Policy
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Family Medicine & Community Health

Dr. Jamilia Sly is an Assistant Professor of Population Health Science and Policy and member of the Tisch Cancer Institute’s Cancer...

LAYLA FATTAH
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR | Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology
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Melissa Mazor, PhD, MS, RN
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Medicine, General Internal Medicine

Dr. Mazor is Assistant Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Engagement...

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Dan Hasson, PhD

Associate Professor | Oncological Sciences
Director TCI Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Shared Resource
Co-Director Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge Education and Development (SPARKED)

image of Aliana Guzman and other student

Aliana Guzman, Student, Bernstein Lab

“Not only did this experience reinforce my commitment to the science field, but it also made me aware that achieving my goals will require me to advocate for meaningful change.”

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Aliana Guzman, Student, Bernstein Lab

“Not only did this experience reinforce my commitment to the science field, but it also made me aware that achieving my goals will require me to advocate for meaningful change.”

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Ali May, PhD, Mentor, May Lab

"In the May Lab, Jay investigated a novel, rare cell type within the salivary gland system. She acquired hands-on experience with advanced techniques such as immunofluorescent protein staining, microscopy, and cell culture. Her dedication not only deepened her understanding of cellular mechanisms but also stimulated a new interest in pursuing biology as a career."

image of Aliana Guzman and other student

Aliana Guzman, Student, Bernstein Lab

“Not only did this experience reinforce my commitment to the science field, but it also made me aware that achieving my goals will require me to advocate for meaningful change.”

image of Ali May

Ali May, PhD, Mentor, May Lab

"In the May Lab, Jay investigated a novel, rare cell type within the salivary gland system. She acquired hands-on experience with advanced techniques such as immunofluorescent protein staining, microscopy, and cell culture. Her dedication not only deepened her understanding of cellular mechanisms but also stimulated a new interest in pursuing biology as a career."

image of Rachel Lau

Rachel Lau, Student, Wang Lab

“This experience has deepened my love for science and showed me the life of a scientist.”

Meet the Faculty

Igor Bado, PhD
Igor Bado, PhD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
Emily Bernstein, PhD
Emily Bernstein, PhD
PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
PROFESSOR | Dermatology
Cathie Pfleger, PhD
Cathie Pfleger, PhD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
Alison May, PhD
Alison May, PhD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology
Shuang Wang, PhD
Shuang Wang, PhD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Medicine, Liver Diseases
Elvin Wagenblast, PhD
Elvin Wagenblast, PhD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology
Jerry Chipuk, PhD
Jerry Chipuk, PhD
PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
PROFESSOR | Dermatology
Juan Arriaga, PhD
Juan Arriaga, PhD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
Prashanth Rangan, PhD
Prashanth Rangan, PhD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology
Dan Hasson, PhD
Dan Hasson, PhD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
Tirtha K Das, PhD
Tirtha K Das, PhD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology

Join SPARKED

We welcome your application to SPARKED. If you have any questions, please contact us at, sparked@mssm.edu.

The SPARKED internship takes place Monday, July 14, through Thursday, August 21, 2025. Each week, students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Note that absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated—please ensure you can fully participate in the program.

The internship continues one or two afternoons weekly from September through May.

A stipend will be awarded for successful completion of the summer internship program.

The program is located at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai campus on the Upper East Side, at  Madison Avenue between 98th and 102nd  Streets.

Applicants to the Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development should meet the following requirements. No prior research experience is necessary.

  • Be a rising junior or a rising senior in high school at the time the program starts
  • Be highly motivated and passionate about science and interested in experiencing biomedical research
  • Successful completion of at least one high school science course
  • 80% grade point average in science subjects
  • Have a guardian permission
  • Have a science teacher recommendation
  • Be able to commit to the internship’s 10-month schedule

2025 application cycle is now closed, please check back December 2025.

A complete application includes:

  • Current resume
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • A personal statement that explains why you are interested in this program and how participation will advance your educational and career goals. This program is interested in serving students from all backgrounds. We invite you to share any barriers or challenges you have faced in pursuing your career goals and how this program can help you overcome those challenges.
  • Letter of recommendation, preferably from a current or former science teacher.

The selection process includes a 30-minute virtual interview of qualified candidates. Final decisions are communicated in the first week of May.

Contact Us

SPARKED Applications

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