Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Growing Roots in Science
Summer 2014 Program
Report to the Community
Monell Chemical Senses Center
Samantha Trinh, Sophomore
Overview
The Monell Center is proud to report on the 33rd annual Monell
Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP). This seven-week
internship continues to inspire young people to pursue science
education and careers in the biomedical sciences by providing
every apprentice with high quality, hands-on learning experiences
in a professional laboratory setting.
Our mission is to provide Philadelphia area students – especially
those from groups underrepresented in the sciences –
opportunities to engage in real scientific discovery via laboratorybased biomedical research. This mission is rooted in a commitment to the Philadelphia community and to
training the next generation of scientists and STEM professionals.
The 2014 application pool was very competitive: we received over 240 applicants and accepted a total of
nineteen apprentices (also known as SAPlings). These high school and undergraduate students spent the
seven weeks (June 23 – August 8, 2014) working in Monell’s laboratories, alongside Ph.D. and M.D.-level
scientists. Sixteen of the students were residents of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
The MSAP Executive Committee
is committed to providing each
student with a unique summer
internship experience. Unlike
other internships, MSAP employs
a mentor-apprentice model that is
designed to provide SAPlings with
high quality technical training,
science education, accessible
role models who can help guide
apprentices in their academic and
professional pursuits.
The Committee carefully matches
each SAPling with a full-time
scientist mentor, and apprentices
work closely with the primary
investigator and lab staff on an
independent research project.
Each apprentice conducts their
own research while immersed in a
rich, hands-on learning
environment that fosters technical
skill-building and developing a
thorough understanding of basic
scientific principles.
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SAPling High Schools
 W. B. Saul High School
 Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia
 George Washington Carver High
School
 Central High School
 J. R. Masterman High School
 Murrel Dobbins High School
 Arts Academy of Benjamin Rush
 Creative and Performing Arts High
School
Apprentice success hinges on proper education and training, and
mentors, in conjunction with Monell’s Human Resource
Department, are responsible for ensuring that apprentices receive
appropriate training and follow all safety procedures.
Apprentices are lab staff and attend and contribute to lab meetings
and other routine laboratory activities. Mentors also hold individual
meetings with SAPlings, usually on a weekly basis, to track their
progress. Many mentors make an effort to meet at least once a day
to answer questions and provide guidance. We require a minimum
of two one-on-one meetings per week with the principle
investigator.
SAPling Colleges
 West Chester University of
Pennsylvania
 University of the Sciences
 Temple University
 Allegheny College
 Barnard College
As supervisors, mentors answer daily activity questions, assist with
day-to-day problems, and confirm that lab notebooks are used
correctly. Other lab members, such as postdoctoral fellows and lab
technicians, contribute to SAPlings’ overall mentorship throughout
the seven weeks.
Providing apprentices with proper supervision and resources
ensures that they have a complete understanding of the
hypotheses and research objectives of their individual projects and of the mentor’s larger research program.
These are critical to apprentices’ learning and understanding and are reflected in their Capstone Presentations.
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Funding
It is our great pleasure to thank those who made the 2014 Monell Science Apprenticeship Program possible.
Many individual gifts help make this program possible, including gifts from Monell’s leadership, staff, and
MSAP alumni. Organizations, agencies, and individuals who donated to MSAP 2014 are listed below. Firsttime donors to the program are listed in bold; alumni donors are listed in italics.
The Monell Circle ($1,000+)
Robert Bedoukian, Bedoukian Research, Inc.
The Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation
The Ellis Trust for Girls
The Franklin Institute STEM Scholars
Program
The Christopher Ludwick Foundation
National Institutes of Health – National Institute
of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Slidemakers
The Subaru of America Foundation
Individual Donors
David Adams
Osama Ahmed
Donna Antonucci
Angelica Au
Gary Beauchamp
Paul Breslin
Carol Christensen
Bill Clark, Animal Specialties and Provisions
Victoria Grant
David Kennedy
Daniel & Deborah Knox
Susan Knox
John Lepri
Robert Margolskee
Renee Marton
Harold McDaniel
Lisa Norris
Mehmet Hakan Ozdener
Valentina Parma
Johannes Reisert
Dwight Riskey
James Russell
Lindsey Snyder
Jenifer Trachtman
Karen Kalun Yee
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The Students
Name: Sadeeq Abdullah
School: University of Pittsburgh, Bradford
Mentors: Dr. Johannes Reisert & Dr. Michelle Dibattista
Project: How The Olfactory Bulb Got its Axons
“I learned that studying olfaction can result in discoveries
that can be applied to other biological functions.”
Name: John Cherry
School: Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School
Mentor: Dr. Glen Golden
Project: Measuring a Ferret’s Ability to Discriminate
Between Similar Odors
“Now I have a better understanding of the research
process and how scientific publications are written.”
Name: Chelsey Deal
School: W. B. Saul High School
Mentors: Dr. Michael Tordoff
Project: The Effects of Ivermectin on Taste Preferences
“I learned how to design experiments and collect data.”
Name: Denise DeFelice
School: Phil-Mont Christian Academy
Mentor: Dr. Pamela Dalton & Christopher Maute, M.Ed.
Project: Stress Reduction and Effects on Mood
“I learned so much about the research process, statistical
analysis of data and how to write a scientific paper.”
Name: Arnelle Downing
School: J. R. Masterman High School
Mentors: Dr. Michael Tordoff
Project: Narrowing the Confidence Interval of a QTL on
Chromosome 2 and Chromosome 17
“I love doing research in the Program, and every year I
love it more and more.”
Name: Nicolas Freeman
School: Stone Bridge High School
Mentor: Dr. Joel Mainland
Project: Predicting Odor from Receptor Responses
“In addition to learning new lab skills, I also co-authored a
paper based on the research I did in the program.”
Name: Kathryn Greene
School: Temple University
Mentor: Dr. George Preti & Dr. Katharine Prigge
Project: Body Odor Variation Due to Age and Gender
“I discovered that I enjoy doing research and answering
questions through the research process.”
Name: LaToya Irvin
School: Murrel Dobbins High School
Mentor: Dr. Paul Breslin
Project: Influence of Adaptation on Sweetener
Concentration-Intensity Functions
“I really enjoyed learning new things and working with my
lab mates.”
Name: Sara James
School: George Washington Carver High School
Mentors: Dr. Pamela Dalton & Dr. Jessica Gaby
Project: Perception of Individual Differences in Body Odor
“MSAP expanded my knowledge and was like a second
home.”
Name: Kristofer James
School: George Washington Carver High School
Mentor: Dr. Paul Breslin
Project: Sweet Taste Adaptation and Time-Intensity
Functions
“Working with human subjects on my research project
was my favorite part of the program.”
Name: Enlylh King
School: Creative and Performing Arts High School
Mentor: Dr. Hong Wang
Project: Expression of Bitter Taste Receptors in Mouse
and Human T-cells
“I learned a lot about statistics, data analysis, and the
molecular biology of the immune system.”
Name: Christina Labows
School: Strath Haven High School
Mentor: Dr. George Preti & Dr. Katharine Prigge
Project: Bioaccumulation of Limonene in Cerumen
“My mentors provided excellent guidance, and we worked
together on a manuscript that will be submitted for publication.”
Name: Dominick Palma
School: Central High School
Mentors: Dr. Peihua Jiang
Project: Glucokinase (hexokinase 4) Regulator in Order
Carnivora
“MSAP allowed me to devote my time to deeply
understanding a topic of my choice.”
Name: Jovanna Pope
School: Barnard College
Mentor: Dr. Valentina Parma
Project: How Well Can Children Smell? Exploring Olfactory Skills in a Subset of Children in Philadelphia, PA
“I really enjoyed working with the children that were part
of my laboratory’s study.”
Name: Nadia Scott
School: University of the Sciences, Philadelphia
Mentor: Dr. Alexander Bachmanov & Dr. Hakan Ozdener
Project: Characterization of Immortalized Human Fungiform Taste Papillae (Ulduz) Cells
“I had more responsibility this year and wrote my own
protocols.”
Name: Nirvine Simon
School: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Mentors: Dr. Hong Wang
Project: Expression of Taste Signaling Proteins in Human
and Mouse B Cells
“In addition to learning new lab skills, I also co-authored a
paper based on the research I did in the program.”
Name: Khalia Thompson
School: Allegheny College
Mentor: Dr. Robert Margolskee & Dr. Karen Yee
Project: Identifying Receptor Expression Enhancing
Proteins in Taste Cells
“I know I’ve gotten a lot out of this program and feel that
I’ll be ahead of my peers in my math and technical skills.”
Name: Owain Thorogood
School: Haverford High School
Mentor: Dr. Hong Wang
Project: Lipopolysaccharide Induces Increased Expression of
Sweet Receptors in Mouse Macrophages
“This was an invaluable experience: I never liked molecular
biology, but the hands-on research changed my mind.”
Name: Samantha Trinh
School: Arts Academy of Benjamin Rush
Mentor: Dr. Casey Trimmer
Project: Blocking Odor Perception at the Receptor
“I did things I never thought I’d have the opportunity to
do, like clone cells and present my first scientific poster.”
Enlylh King, Junior
The Program
The foundation of the MSAP experience is conducting hands-on
bench research alongside professional scientists. However, each
year the MSAP Executive Committee carefully plans additional
enrichment activities designed to supplement the apprentices’
laboratory work.
A popular seminar series has been a key part of the program for
several years. This year, the series focused on exposing
SAPlings to the breadth and depth of scientific research, with
speakers from fields ranging from botany to pharmacology.
Speakers included individuals who use science every day in their
work, but in very different ways. Clinical research Cornelius Pitts, PharmD; Rachel Harris, PhD (University of
Tasmania); Naa Oyo Kwate, PhD (Rutgers University) and others shared their experiences pursuing careers in
science.
Each year, Postdoctoral Fellows organize enrichment activities including a ‘brown bag’ discussion of how to
read and prepare scientific articles, journal clubs featuring in-depth discussions of select scientific articles, and
a day of “open labs” during which apprentices can observe the various biomedical disciplines practiced in
Monell’s labs.
Open lab day is very popular among the apprentices who often have wider interests in other branches of
biology or are interested in learning new techniques not typically used in their mentors’ laboratories. Monell’s
Postdoctoral Fellows demonstrated a wide variety of laboratory techniques.
Postdoctoral trainees also learn how to communicate their work and skills to students via this exercise. This
year, students could choose from six demonstrations, with each apprentice attending two thirty-minute demos,
such as: olfactory assessment in humans, measuring the body’s reactions to odors, Y-maze running and
mouse odor perception, High Through Put robotics, biosensors and odor discrimination.
Nicolas Freeman, Senior
Last year, MSAP introduced a professional development
component to the enrichment programming. The apprentice
response was so positive that it has become a critical part of
MSAP’s enrichment activities. The professional development
seminar and lunch included an instructional lecture and role-play
activities aimed at helping SAPlings build interview and
communication skills. Alumnae Stacey Lytle participated in the
seminar, relating her experience applying and interviewing for jobs
in the research and medical field after receiving her degree.1
Two new seminars were added to MSAP enrichment activities this
year: “science communication” and “how to create and present a scientific poster.” Apprentices learned to
package and communicate their science to different kinds of audiences. Science writer Bob Holmes also gave
a brief talk on his career and fielded questions from the apprentices, several of whom reported that they were
unaware of a career path in science journalism or other science-related careers.
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Stacey attended MSAP in 2013 and graduated from Widener University with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. After
graduation she applied widely in the tri-state area, was invited to 15 interviews, and received 6 job offers. Stacey is
currently the Research Specialist in the Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics at the University of
Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine.
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The second seminar reviewed the elements of a successful scientific
poster and provided apprentices with a template for their own
posters. Taken in tandem, these seminars were designed to better
prepare SAPlings to create and present their posters at the
Capstone Presentations, a conference-style event where
apprentices present their research and results.
Jovanna Pope, Junior
We typically have a few apprentices elect to stay at Monell for the
remainder of the summer after the MSAP ends. These apprentices
may continue their work at Monell throughout the school year. Many
of the 2014 SAPlings expressed great interest in returning to the
program next year.
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Schedule of Events
Date
Time
Event
Mon. June 23
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Program Kickoff and Welcome
Tues. June 24
10:00 – 12:00 PM
Safety Training Session
Lecture 1: Rocky Parker, PhD – Postdoctoral Fellow, Monell Center
11:00 – 12:00 PM
Title: Science as Process and Scientific Literacy
Thurs. June 26
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Ice Cream Social
Tues. July 1
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Pizza Luncheon
Wed. July 2
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Journal Club with Monell Postdoctoral Fellow: Rocky Parker, PhD; Kate Prigge, PhD; and
Casey Trimmer, PhD
Lecture 2: Cesar Rodriguez-Saona, PhD – Rutgers University
Thurs. July 3
11:00 – 12:00 PM
Title: Two decades of research on insect-plant interactions and
applied chemical ecology:
Lessons learned
Lecture 3: Simeon Kotchoni, PhD – Rutgers University
Thurs. July 10
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Fri. July 11
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Wed. July 16
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Title: Discovering your potential: A road map to your success
Enrichment Seminar: Christopher Maute, M.Ed. – Lab Manager, Monell Center
Title: Science Communication
Journal Club with Postdoctoral Fellows: Kate Prigge, PhD; and Casey Trimmer, PhD
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Lecture 4: Cornelius Pitts, PharmD
Thurs. July 17
Title: Discussion on Careers in Health Science
11:00 – 12:00 PM
Enrichment Seminar: Nuala Bobowski, PhD – Postdoctoral Fellow,
Fri. July 18
Monell Center
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Title: Creating and presenting a scientific poster
Lecture 5: Paul Breslin, PhD – Director, MSAP; Member, Monell
Thurs. July 24
Center
11:00 – 12:00 PM
Title: A primer on the science of the chemical senses
Fri. July 25
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Professional Development Luncheon
Lecture 6: Rachel Harris, PhD – University of Tasmania
Mon. July 28
11: 30 – 12:00 PM
Title: Sex, Lies and GC-MS: Chemical Communication and
Reproduction in an Egg-laying Mammal, the Echidna
Lecture 7: Naa Oyo Kwate, PhD – Rutgers University
Thurs. July 31
11:00 – 1:00 PM
Title: A simple, straightforward guide to…. becoming a
physician…..a clinical psychologist….studying social determinants of
health
Fri. Aug. 1
11:00 – 12:00 PM
Open Labs
Thurs. Aug. 7
3:00 - 5:00 PM
Capstone Presentations: Apprentice poster presentations of research experiences.
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John Cherry, Sophomore
Capstone Presentations
The Capstone Presentations mark the end of the program.
SAPlings present the results of their research and learning to
family, friends, and fellow scientists at a conference-style poster
session. This year the event was attended by over 100 people,
including the apprentices’ families; Monell scientists and staff; the
Honorable Representative James Roebuck; Rafaela Torres,
Director of the Ellis Trust for Girls; Don McKinney, Philadelphia
Math + Science Coalition; and Dr. Idris Stovall, Director of STEM
Youth and School Programs at The Franklin Institute.
The Capstone celebrates the apprentices’ accomplishments during a summer full of hard work and discovery.
It is a very proud moment for the apprentices, their mentors, and especially their families. Each apprentice
creates a scientific poster using the data they have analyzed, graphed, and tabulated. The posters describe
their hypotheses and results, and SAPlings give oral presentations in a conference-style environment to the
Capstone guests. This year MSAP received an in-kind donation from a local printer, Slidemakers, who
produced the posters at a discounted rate. SAPlings were allowed to keep their posters after obtaining their
mentors’ approval.
This event is an excellent opportunity for apprentices to exercise their science writing and presentation skills
and learn how to deliver their results to a diverse audience. Apprentices also learn how to engage in academic
exchange by demonstrating that they understand: i) their hypothesis, ii) why the research question was asked,
iii) whether their data support their hypotheses, and iv) what this work means in the broader context.
The caliber of this year’s projects and the depth of understanding the
apprentices exhibited during their presentations was palpable. Judges
for the annual “Sense-sational Science Award” reported that it was
more difficult this year to identify the best performing presenters.
The fourth annual “Monell Sense-sational Science Award,” for best
project, was chosen by a panel of Monell staff. This year’s recipient
was Ms. Jovanna Pope. Her project was entitled “How Well Can
Children Smell?: Exploring Olfactory Skills in a Subset of Children in
Philadelphia, PA.”
Jovanna Pope and her mentor, Dr. Valentina
Parma
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