LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

OUR MISSION

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.

WHO WE ARE

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.

HOW TRIP WORKS

Twice per calendar year, TRIP has an open call for applications. In the Winter/Spring, TRIP has a home at William Tennent High School in Warminster. Students generally apply in October for a course that runs on consecutive Saturdays from late January through early-May. During the summer, TRIP is offered at Temple University in Philadelphia on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The call for applications launches in early March, while the course begins after July 4th and concludes in mid-August.

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 Director and Instructor

Dr. 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. Alyssa Leystra

Program Coordinator and Instructor

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. At Fox Chase Cancer Center, she currently serves as the Manager of Academic Programs and Training.

Click here to view the LinkedIn profile for Dr. Alyssa Leystra.
Want more?  Click here to watch Dr. Leystra's career talk.

MEET PAST MENTORS

Shawn Fahl

Jaye Gardiner

John Krais

Trinity Pellegrin

Jessica Wagner