Ever wonder what an embryo looks like as it develops? How one sperm “beats out” all of the others to fertilize an egg? What about the steps needed to become a researcher who studies these processes? Join the Oncofertility Saturday Academy at the Penn Academy for Reproductive Sciences.
If you are a girl in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, join us in taking a firsthand look at reproductive health and fertility from scientists and doctors directly involved in this field. In an all-female workshop full of scientific discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on labs, we will examine current research in reproductive health. We will also discuss oncofertility, or new methods to preserve fertility in female cancer patients whose chemotherapy may be harmful to their eggs, making it difficult for these women to have their own genetic child. Topics to be covered include the physiology and anatomy of the female reproductive system through mouse dissection, demonstration of fertilization and development of the embryo, examination of a scientific journal article, discussion of the ethics of decision-making in science, and presentation of a variety of careers in science.
The dates for the Saturday workshops are March 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 14 and 21 (Note: There will not be a session on April 7, 2012). Each session will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Pennsylvania. Participants must be able to attend all six sessions of the workshop to apply. SEPTA tokens can be provided for daily transportation if necessary; the need for tokens does not affect eligibility.
For more information and to register, download the application! (Registration closed)