Biochemistry

Research enzyme structure, function, and evolution to design enzyme inhibitors that can combat fungal pathogens.

Three individuals in lab coats and gloves are working with pipettes in a laboratory setting.

About the Program

Participants in the Summer Science Program in Biochemistry conduct modern biochemical research to understand the structural and chemical properties of enzymes, utilizing this information to design a molecule that could inhibit enzyme activity and prevent fungal infection of crops.

The Biochemistry program trains participants to approach a research problem with a hypothesis-driven mindset. Participants get to learn from renowned biochemists as well as guest lecturers with years of experience in the biochemistry field.

Key Dates and Deadlines

  • December 12th, 2024
    Applications Open

  • January 24th, 2025
    Deadline for international applications

  • February 21st, 2025
    Deadline for domestic applications 

  • Mid-April 2025
    Admissions decisions released

  • June 2025
    Programs begin mid-late June

Is the Summer Science Program in Biochemistry Right for You?

Applications are open each winter to current high school juniors who have completed or are in the process of completing any level of high school biology and chemistry by June for credit and a grade. Strong algebra skills are highly recommended. We do NOT require AP or advanced-level classes. Self-study does not qualify.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old but not yet 19 during program operation. Current freshmen, sophomores, and seniors are not eligible.

Program Dates & Campuses

  • Purdue University
    June 8 – July 13

  • Chadron State College
    June 15- July 20

  • Indiana University
    June 22 – July 27

  • Purdue University
    June 29 – August 3

A group of people in lab coats are engaged in a science class. A person at the front gestures while others work at desks. A chalkboard with notes is visible in the background.
Three people in lab coats and safety goggles smile while working in a laboratory, handling equipment and chemicals.
Three people collaborate at a lab table with a laptop and lab equipment. They all wear blue lanyards.
A person smiling in a lab holding two large flasks filled with amber liquid, wearing gloves and a lanyard, with another person working in the background.

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2025 Research Project: Fungal Inhibitor Design

Enzymes, proteins that facilitate and control different biochemical reactions, and their catalyzed products are necessary to sustain life. Understanding how the limited set of 20 building blocks we call amino acids give rise to all the structurally and chemically diverse proteins making up the proteome is one of the “holy grails” of biochemistry.  Understanding a protein’s three-dimensional structure helps us to design enzyme inhibitors that can treat harmful diseases caused by pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses. This provides us with the ability to find solutions to some of the biggest threats to human health.
 
In the “Fungal Inhibitor Design” research project, you will learn how to safely and effectively combat fungal pathogens that infect crops worldwide. You will characterize an enzyme within a fungal species, use molecular modeling to visualize the three-dimensional structure of this protein, and design enzyme inhibitors that can protect crops and, in turn, tackle one of the leading causes of world hunger.

A Preview of the Experience

In a team of three, you will combine bench experiments and computational tools to characterize and model a member of an enzyme family that is implicated in crop infection by fungal pathogens – one that has never previously been modeled. After characterizing the enzymatic properties of the protein and creating a molecular model, you will design a molecule that inhibits enzyme activity and safely protects crops from fungal infection. By the end of the program, you will generate a poster and written report detailing the information generated about your fungal enzyme.

The project goes beyond what is asked of undergraduate biochemistry majors in an analytical lab course. It demands hypothesis-building based on existing information, critical analysis, the interpretation of novel experimental results, and applying those results to part of the drug design pipeline. Topics covered include: