OUR MISSION
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The mission of TRIP is to foster an enthusiasm for science by offering students a chance to do hypothesis-driven research and hands-on learning in a lab.
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WHO WE ARE
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TRIP is a comprehensive science research training program for high school students interested in scientific careers. Beyond the lab, students also receive one-on-one mentoring with Fox Chase faculty; they learn team building and leadership skills and become part of a family of driven and curious students.
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HOW TRIP WORKS
We are currently offering the program yearly. Open call for applications will occur in late August or early September and will close in early October. In the Winter/Spring, TRIP has a home at William Tennent High School in Warminster. The course will run on consecutive Saturdays from mid-January through mid-April culminating with a research symposium where students will present their research to friends and family and other special guests.
BEST OF ALL:
THE PROGRAM IS COMPLETELY FREE
Every teen interested in science should have the chance to participate in a program that fosters their passion. However, most educational or summer programs cost thousands of dollars for only a week or two of study. TRIP wants to change that. This program is provided with funding by the Fox Chase Cancer Center to build opportunities for students who may not get them anywhere else.
MEET OUR CURRENT MENTORS
Dr. Amanda Purdy
Program DirectorDr. Amanda Purdy is a scientist and educator passionate for fostering an enthusiasm for science and scientific discovery in the community. Dr. Purdy holds a Bachelor's degree in genetics and cell biology and PhD in cell biology. At Fox Chase Cancer Center, she currently serves as the Associate Chief Academic Officer where she directs education and research training programs for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students as well as junior faculty. Dr. Purdy has served as the director of TRIP since its creation in 2015.
Click here to view the LinkedIn profile for Dr. Amanda Purdy Want more? Click here to watch Dr. Purdy's career talk. |
Dr. Theresa Austria
Program Co-DirectorAs a scientist and educator, Dr. Theresa Austria hopes to encourage and inspire youths, particularly of underrepresented minority and at-risk backgrounds, to pursue careers in science. Dr. Austria holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with and option in cellular and molecular biology, a minor in chemistry, a certificate in biotechnology and a PhD in genetics, cellular and molecular biology with an emphasis on molecular pathology. As a research mentor, Dr. Austria as worked with master’s and doctoral students, clinicians, undergraduates, and high school students and has also served as an instructor and tutor for undergraduate and high school students. At Fox Chase Cancer Center, she serves as the Manager of Academic Programs and Training.
Click here to view the LinkedIn profile for Dr. Theresa Austria |
Dr. Silvia Anahi Valdes-Rives
Lead InstructorDr. Silvia Anahi Valdes-Rives is a scientist and mentor dedicated to supporting the next generation of researchers. She holds a bachelor's degree in Clinical Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. Her research focuses on neuro-oncology, specifically primary and metastatic brain tumors. As a Postdoctoral Associate at Fox Chase Cancer Center, she conducts research while mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Since 2024, Dr. Valdes-Rives has also served as an instructor in TRIP, contributing to the training of future scientists.
Click here to view the LinkedIn Profile for Dr. Silvia Valdes-Rives |
Dr. Nick Maskalenko
InstructorDr. Nick Maskalenko is a researcher interested in fostering scientific curiousity in the scientifically curious. Dr. Maskalenko began his career with bachelor's degree in marine biology, then took his first few shakey steps onto land and into a PhD program for cellular and molecular biology. It is here where he fell in love with the human immune system and became involved with his current research focus in equipping immune cells to fight disease. His passion for science and immunology is often shared through mentorship of undergraduate and graduate researchers, as well as by hosting students for hands-on demonstrations of experiments. Dr. Maskalenko is joining TRIP as an instructor in 2026 after several years of working with other academic programs run by Fox Chase Cancer Center.
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MEET PAST MENTORS
As a committed educator and cancer biologist, Dr. Alyssa Leystra seeks to encourage curiosity and enthusiasm for science while teaching science literacy, critical thinking, and communication. Her training in cancer biology, genetics, and microbiology, and experience teaching and mentoring peer researchers, graduate students, undergraduates, and high school students both in the classroom and the lab has prepared her to teach a wide range of subjects.
Dr. Leystra now works as the Associate Director for Skills Development, Office of Postdoctoral Studies at University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Click here to view the LinkedIn profile for Dr. Alyssa Leystra.
Want more? Click here to watch Dr. Leystra's career talk.
Dr. Leystra now works as the Associate Director for Skills Development, Office of Postdoctoral Studies at University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Click here to view the LinkedIn profile for Dr. Alyssa Leystra.
Want more? Click here to watch Dr. Leystra's career talk.
Alyssa Leystra
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Jaye Gardiner |
