science research
Each summer students travel to ALS research labs around the country to help find a cure for ALS. They learn and perform many different research techniques. There are two, four and six week programs available. We are looking to expand our research program. If you have any questions or further inquiries please speak with Mr. Strasser.
Students have worked with researchers at:
1.) The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins University
2.) ALS TDI in Cambridge, Massachusetts
3.) University of California at Santa Barbara
4.) Columbia University- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease
5.) The Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab at Columbia University
6.) Stony Brook University
7.) ALS Hope Foundation
8.) The Jackson Laboratory
Students who have participated in our research program:
1. The Robert Packard Center at Johns Hopkins University
Gue-Hee (Kat) Yi (2005)
Rebecca Kerner (2006)
Sean Flanagan (2007)
DJ Ronde and Taylor Fleming (2008)
Jen Koniuk and Chelsea Culbert (2009)
Nicole Knudsen and Nicole Seitter (2010)
Lauren Atkinson and Jessica Garrecht (2011)
2. ALS TDI
Erin Stabile (2006)
Theresa Nobs and Taylor Gubitosi (2008)
Blair Ingraham and Jill Shotwell (2009)
Kelly Ann Walley (2010)
Morgan O’Neill and Cassie Tabert (2011)
3. University of California
Sarah Pattison (2006)
4. Columbia University
Jessica May (2006-2007)
Kate Macina (2008)
Lucas Hoffmann (2010)
Kevin Clare (2011)
5. Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab
Sarah Pattison (2007)
Erin Stabile (2007)
Michelle Pernice (2008)
Brittany Pagnotta (2009)
Erin McNally (2010)
Tom Kennedy (2011)
6. Stony Brook University
Alanna Baldassarre (2009)
Lars Farber (2010)
Sydney O’Gorman (2011)
7. ALS HOPE Foundation
Ellen Choe (2010)
Arizona Hutchinson and Kaelie Kelleher (2011)
8. The Jackson Laboratory
Kate Macina (2010)
Chelsea Culbert (2011)
Students who have won awards within the Research Program include:
Jessica May (Siemens & Intel Semifinalist and LISEF finalist)
Lucas Hoffmann (Siemens Semifinalist, JSHS Presenter)
Nicole Seitter and Nicole Knudsen (LISEF Honorable Mention )
Erin McNally (JSHS Presenter)
Kate Macina (JSHS Presenter)
Sean Flanagan (JSHS Presenter)
The Goal of Science Research:
The goal of the A Midwinter Night’s Dream Research Program is to provide high school students with the opportunity to work in a professional laboratory where they will work with doctors and scientists to help find a cure for ALS. They learn and perform research skills and techniques beyond the high school level. Every summer we send ten students to research facilities across the country. Students have worked with researchers at The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins, ALS TDI, University of California at Santa Barbra, The Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease at Colombia University, The Jennifer Estess Stem Cell Lab at Columbia University, The Jackson Laboratory, and Stony Brook University.
QUOTES FROM PAST AMND RESEARCH STUDENTS
“Working for eight weeks at Columbia University taught me the in depth understanding of ALS. I found myself asking questions I never thought I’d be able to answer, but by the end of term I surprised myself with how much knowledge I had gained about the disease. The best part of my summer at Columbia was that every day I knew I was making a difference.” Kate Macina, AMND Director
“A Midwinter Night’s Dream is by far the best group I’ve ever been involved with. The Research Program not only made me feel more knowledgeable about ALS but more importantly, it solidified my commitment to the cause. As a graduating senior, I know that no matter where I end up, I will never stop fighting ALS.” Blair Ingraham, AMND Director
“Spending two summers doing ALS research changed my life. Connecting my passion for fundraising with my passion for science confirmed my decision to major in Chemistry at Villanova University. I am so lucky to have gotten such an invaluable research experience at such a young age.” Sarah Pattison, graduate of Villanova University and AMND Director
