3 answers
Brianna
Student
Metairie, Louisiana
1
Question
Updated
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As a rising sophmore in high school interested in pursuing a immunology career, what should I do from here?
I'm really interested in immunology, and I've read a couple immunology books (Immune by philipp dettmer, An elegant defense by matt richtel) available in my local libary and understand the concepts in there, but am unsure of where to go from here. What I can do now? (More book recommendations are also appreciated)
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3 answers
anahu d
10
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
anahu’s Answer
Pursuing a career in immunology is an exciting and rewarding path. As a rising sophomore in high school, you can take several steps to build a strong foundation for your future career in this field. Here are some actionable steps you can follow:
Academics
1. **Focus on Science and Math Classes:**
- **Biology and Chemistry:** These are fundamental to understanding immunology.
- **Physics and Advanced Mathematics:** These subjects will help develop your analytical skills.
2. **Advanced Placement (AP) Courses:**
- Consider taking AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics when available. These courses will give you a deeper understanding of the sciences and prepare you for college-level coursework.
Extracurricular Activities
1. **Science Clubs and Competitions:**
- Join your school's science club or participate in science fairs and competitions (like the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair).
2. **Research Opportunities:**
- Look for summer research programs or internships at local universities, hospitals, or research institutions. Programs like the Research Science Institute (RSI) or local STEM camps can be invaluable.
3. **Volunteering:**
- Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or health-related organizations. This experience can provide practical insights into the medical field.
Personal Development
1. **Reading and Self-Study:**
- Read books and articles on immunology to build your knowledge. Some recommended books include “The Immune System” by Peter Parham and “How the Immune System Works” by Lauren Sompayrac.
2. **Online Courses:**
- Enroll in online courses on platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, or edX. Many of these platforms offer free courses on immunology and related subjects.
Networking and Mentorship
1. **Mentorship:**
- Seek out a mentor who works in the field of immunology or a related area. This could be a teacher, a professor, or a professional in the field.
2. **Professional Organizations:**
- Join organizations like the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) as a student member to access resources, attend conferences, and stay updated on the latest research.
### Planning for College
1. **College Preparation:**
- Research colleges with strong immunology, biology, or biomedical programs. Aim to build a strong application with good grades, strong extracurricular activities, and relevant experience.
2. **Scholarships:**
- Look for scholarships specifically for students interested in science and medicine. This can help financially support your education and provide recognition for your achievements.
Building Skills:
1. **Laboratory Skills:**
- Take opportunities to work in a lab, either through school or extracurricular programs, to develop practical laboratory skills.
2. **Communication Skills:**
- Develop your writing and public speaking skills. Being able to communicate your findings and ideas effectively is crucial in any scientific career.
Academics
1. **Focus on Science and Math Classes:**
- **Biology and Chemistry:** These are fundamental to understanding immunology.
- **Physics and Advanced Mathematics:** These subjects will help develop your analytical skills.
2. **Advanced Placement (AP) Courses:**
- Consider taking AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics when available. These courses will give you a deeper understanding of the sciences and prepare you for college-level coursework.
Extracurricular Activities
1. **Science Clubs and Competitions:**
- Join your school's science club or participate in science fairs and competitions (like the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair).
2. **Research Opportunities:**
- Look for summer research programs or internships at local universities, hospitals, or research institutions. Programs like the Research Science Institute (RSI) or local STEM camps can be invaluable.
3. **Volunteering:**
- Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or health-related organizations. This experience can provide practical insights into the medical field.
Personal Development
1. **Reading and Self-Study:**
- Read books and articles on immunology to build your knowledge. Some recommended books include “The Immune System” by Peter Parham and “How the Immune System Works” by Lauren Sompayrac.
2. **Online Courses:**
- Enroll in online courses on platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, or edX. Many of these platforms offer free courses on immunology and related subjects.
Networking and Mentorship
1. **Mentorship:**
- Seek out a mentor who works in the field of immunology or a related area. This could be a teacher, a professor, or a professional in the field.
2. **Professional Organizations:**
- Join organizations like the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) as a student member to access resources, attend conferences, and stay updated on the latest research.
### Planning for College
1. **College Preparation:**
- Research colleges with strong immunology, biology, or biomedical programs. Aim to build a strong application with good grades, strong extracurricular activities, and relevant experience.
2. **Scholarships:**
- Look for scholarships specifically for students interested in science and medicine. This can help financially support your education and provide recognition for your achievements.
Building Skills:
1. **Laboratory Skills:**
- Take opportunities to work in a lab, either through school or extracurricular programs, to develop practical laboratory skills.
2. **Communication Skills:**
- Develop your writing and public speaking skills. Being able to communicate your findings and ideas effectively is crucial in any scientific career.
Thank you for taking the time for all this!! Really appreciate it. Also, for the American Association of Immunologists, I searched joining as a student member up online, but it only pulls up paid memberships for "Regular (PHD)", "associate", "trainee", and "emeritus". Is that what you were referring to, or is it something else?
Brianna
Aarushi Singh Gowrinath
University Student
9
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Aarushi Singh’s Answer
Hey Brianna! It's great that you're interested in immunology and have already started reading books on the subject! I know how difficult getting into something you are passionate about can be, especially with a topic like immunology. There is so much you can do! But rest assured, your passion will lead you to amazing opportunities in the future!
Since you are still an underclassman in high school, something I would recommend you start focusing on right now is excelling in your biology, chemistry, and mathematics classes. These subjects form the foundation of immunology. If your school offers AP/IB Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, consider taking them. They will give you a strong background in the sciences and prepare you for college-level coursework. Also, I would recommend getting involved in medical-focused clubs at your school.
I just graduated high school in May and will be going to college on the pre-med route, and something I loved taking part in in high school was an organization called HOSA. This organization will allow you to not only get involved in medically inclined volunteering opportunities outside of school but also allow you to compete in a number of different medical events (at a district, state, and international level), which would look great for college, even immunology! If your school does not have HOSA, I would suggest you get in contact with a science-based teacher at your school and see if you can start a chapter!
Additionally, in the summer, attend summer camps or programs focused on biology or medical sciences. Many universities offer summer courses for high school students!
Also, if you feel as though you have more time for extra classes and courses outside of school (these can also be done during the summer), look at websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy, which offer courses in biology and immunology. Personally, I have used edX to complete courses from Ivy League universities, and even though it is a little bit pricey, you can get a certification from prestigious universities. You can also use the information you have learned to write and publish research papers on topics that interest you!
Look for colleges that offer undergraduate research opportunities in immunology. On YouTube, channels like CrashCourse, Khan Academy, and Dr. John Campbell offer educational videos on immunology and related subjects.
Outside of school, you can try looking for opportunities to volunteer or intern at local research labs, hospitals, or universities. Hands-on experience is invaluable. You can also participate in science fairs and competitions with projects related to immunology. This can help you apply what you've learned and gain recognition.
Through networking and cold emailing, you can try and find a mentor who works in immunology. They can provide guidance, answer questions, and help you navigate your career path. Or, you can consider joining organizations like the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) as a student member to access resources, conferences, and a network of professionals.
Lastly, I am currently reading this book: "The Perfect Predator" by Steffanie Strathdee and Thomas Patterson. It's basically a true story about how a scientist's husband gets infected with a superbug that is immune to all the medications being used to treat it, and how his wife does extensive research to try and save him. It talks about the immune system's role in all of this, and I thought it would be something you would enjoy reading!
Good luck with everything!
Since you are still an underclassman in high school, something I would recommend you start focusing on right now is excelling in your biology, chemistry, and mathematics classes. These subjects form the foundation of immunology. If your school offers AP/IB Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, consider taking them. They will give you a strong background in the sciences and prepare you for college-level coursework. Also, I would recommend getting involved in medical-focused clubs at your school.
I just graduated high school in May and will be going to college on the pre-med route, and something I loved taking part in in high school was an organization called HOSA. This organization will allow you to not only get involved in medically inclined volunteering opportunities outside of school but also allow you to compete in a number of different medical events (at a district, state, and international level), which would look great for college, even immunology! If your school does not have HOSA, I would suggest you get in contact with a science-based teacher at your school and see if you can start a chapter!
Additionally, in the summer, attend summer camps or programs focused on biology or medical sciences. Many universities offer summer courses for high school students!
Also, if you feel as though you have more time for extra classes and courses outside of school (these can also be done during the summer), look at websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy, which offer courses in biology and immunology. Personally, I have used edX to complete courses from Ivy League universities, and even though it is a little bit pricey, you can get a certification from prestigious universities. You can also use the information you have learned to write and publish research papers on topics that interest you!
Look for colleges that offer undergraduate research opportunities in immunology. On YouTube, channels like CrashCourse, Khan Academy, and Dr. John Campbell offer educational videos on immunology and related subjects.
Outside of school, you can try looking for opportunities to volunteer or intern at local research labs, hospitals, or universities. Hands-on experience is invaluable. You can also participate in science fairs and competitions with projects related to immunology. This can help you apply what you've learned and gain recognition.
Through networking and cold emailing, you can try and find a mentor who works in immunology. They can provide guidance, answer questions, and help you navigate your career path. Or, you can consider joining organizations like the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) as a student member to access resources, conferences, and a network of professionals.
Lastly, I am currently reading this book: "The Perfect Predator" by Steffanie Strathdee and Thomas Patterson. It's basically a true story about how a scientist's husband gets infected with a superbug that is immune to all the medications being used to treat it, and how his wife does extensive research to try and save him. It talks about the immune system's role in all of this, and I thought it would be something you would enjoy reading!
Good luck with everything!
For the American Association of Immunologists, I searched joining as a student member up online, but it only pulls up paid memberships for "Regular (PHD)", "associate", "trainee", and "emeritus". Is that what you were referring to, or is it something else?
Either way, thank you so much!! I really appreciate all of this. Thanks for the book recommendation too, seems really interesting. I'll be sure to read it. Best wishes moving forward!
Brianna
NAZIFA SALSABEEL
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
NAZIFA’s Answer
Hi,
You can read Kuby immunology book. This book has nice figures to explain our body's immune system. But reading this book for high school students may be harder
You can read Kuby immunology book. This book has nice figures to explain our body's immune system. But reading this book for high school students may be harder