Biochemistry
Research enzyme structure, function, and evolution to design enzyme inhibitors that can combat fungal pathogens.
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
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December 12th, 2024
Applications Open -
January 24th, 2025
Deadline for international applications -
February 21st, 2025
Deadline for domestic applications
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Mid-April 2025
Admissions decisions released -
June 2025
Programs begin mid-late June
“SSP is truly a transformative experience unlike any other. I have gotten to meet 35 remarkably talented people and have been challenged academically in ways I have never been before. It is safe to say that I will be leaving SSP a different person than I came.”
“SSP has made me confident that I have found my calling. I have never grown so much in this short of a time, and I truly feel like a changed person due to SSP.”
“The construct of the SSP social sphere–a sphere dominated by creativity, support, and ingenuity–transcends the walls that surrounded us. It's hard to find words to describe the absolute beauty of this sphere that the people I worked tireless hours with created alongside me.”
“SSP was a place where I was enriched beyond my wildest dreams. Though the material was challenging, it was always a treat to learn more and more about subjects that I previously knew nothing about. I've met so many unique and wonderful people at SSP – they've made this experience one that I'll never forget!”
“I was totally blown away by my daughter's experience at SSP. She cannot stop talking about it after coming home! She enjoyed the fast-paced learning, rigorous research process, and discourse with the esteemed professors. What differentiates SSP from other programs is the tight-knit community built within the short six weeks. Group members work closely towards one common goal through sharing knowledge and helping each other. Outside of academia, SSP has thoughtfully planned activities for the kids to co-mingle and have fun. She will always cherish the good friendships and precious memories about SSP.”
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
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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
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:
- Biochemistry: affinity chromatography, gel electrophoresis, enzyme assays, kinetics, inhibition, drug screening
- Molecular Modeling: homology modeling, ligand docking, molecular dynamics simulations, inhibitor optimization
- Mathematics: rate equations, linear and non-linear curve fitting, biostatistics
- Bioinformatics: sequence similarity searching, multiple sequence alignment, secondary structure and binding motif prediction
Read Our Blog
Learn about the day-to-day experiences of the Summer Science Program in Biochemistry, get to know notable Biochemistry alumni who now lead impactful careers, and stay updated on any major announcements through our blogs below.
Day 31- DISCLAIMER: written the night before our final report was due. May contain dry sarcasm. (Biochemistry Purdue II)
July 31, 2024
Yesterday was our last field trip of the program. Indiana Dunes was a fever dream, the calm before the storm. But we made the most of it playing volleyball and swimming for hours. After a long, tiring Wednesday, getting up this morning was, to say the least, arduous. Too late to head to the dining hall, I quickly […]
Day 34- The Final Days (Biochemistry Purdue II)
July 31, 2024
Wow, just like that, SSP has gone by like a leaf in the wind. As I look back on the memories I have made and the talented people I have met, I sense that I really changed over the course of these five and a half weeks. However, these days have been stressful as I […]
