When fellow teachers and former Life Science Summer Institute (LSSI) participants recommended the program to Jessica Ullyott from Gompers Preparatory Academy, she jumped at the opportunity. 
This summer, participants like Jessica completed the 12-day LSSI professional development program, which exposes teachers to cutting-edge biotechnology lab curriculum and provides numerous half-day externships with lifescience companies in San Diego.
With nearly four years of teaching experience under her belt, Jessica was pleased to be a student again. During LSSI, she leaned and practiced new lab techniques and fine-tuned existing skills in order to better teach and engage her students in a classroom setting. She also gained insight into the many career pathways and Biotech opportunities this industry has to offer in San Diego.
With all of the valuable knowledge and hands-on experience from this summer program, Jessica plans to immediately begin implementing new labs back at Gompers. In addition, she is eager to bring in guest speakers from the Biotech industry in hopes of inspiring her students to consider a future in STEM careers.
If you are interested in applying for the 2014 LSSI Teacher Externship Program, applications will be available in January 2014.