MEDscienceLAB Forensics
School Break Program
Solving a murder mystery happens more often at the lab bench than in the courtroom. The MEDscienceLAB Forensics School Break program will show you how. You and your forensics team will visit a “crime scene,” gather evidence, interview witnesses, test and analyze samples in the laboratory, and work collaboratively to solve a criminal case. This program in a Harvard Medical School Research Lab will also incorporate realistic cases in our MEDscience Simulation Lab. Join us to explore the science behind crime scene investigation!
Program Highlights
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Become a crime scene investigator! Your team of forensics scientists will perform medical examinations, collect and analyze evidence, and even interview and interrogate witnesses. At the end of this program you will be able to present a case and its conclusion to any police detective or judge.
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You will learn and practice forensics lab techniques including DNA extraction, fingerprinting, cellular microscopy, PCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and hair and fiber analysis. Your team will draft a laboratory report summarizing your expert opinion that tells the story of the crime.
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During our MEDchats, you will meet healthcare and research professionals in order to explore careers in research, public health, biomedical sciences, and medicine.
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Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, effective communication, and teamwork will help you prepare for college, work, and life! Graduates of MEDscience programs gain the confidence to take the lead and manage a team to solve real-world problems.
“I loved this program so much and it really helped me get out of my shell and have a little bit less anxiety and more confidence about this field and about my opinions.”
— Student
At a glance
Program Duration
February School Break
February 16-19, 2027
4-day session — Tuesday–Friday
Daily hours: 9:00-3:30 ET
Please arrive at 8:30 on the first day.
Your final day ends at 2:00.
Location
The MEDscienceLAB program meets at Harvard Medical School, 210 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.
Program Fees
MEDscienceLAB Forensics 4-day program fee is $2250
Fee includes scrubs and all program materials
Fee includes snacks and lunch
HMS MEDscience provides a limited number of scholarships to Greater Boston area students, with preference given to residents of Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Plymouth counties. The Scholarship Application Form can be found in the application.
Housing
HMS MEDscience Programs are non-residential programs. Housing and travel are not included and are the responsibilities of families/guardians. Students must be accompanied at their local accommodations by parents/guardians or responsible adults for the duration of the program.
Eligibility
Students must be in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 at time of application.
Students must be at least 16 years old at the start of the MEDscienceLAB program session.
Alumni of HMS MEDscience programs, semester or summer, may only apply to programs that they have not completed.
MEDscienceLAB Forensics
School Break Program Dates
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Thank you for your interest in our programs. Please join our mailing list for updates on future programs.
2027 Sessions
February 16-19 (Tuesday-Friday)
Must be at least 16 years old at start of the session
Explore Our Other Programs
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MEDscienceClinical
Work a week-long shift in the MEDscience ‘Emergency Room’ at Harvard Medical School. Train in our state-of-the-art medical simulation emergency room to evaluate, diagnose and treat acutely ill patients in our immersive, one-week, full-day program. Learn and practice clinical skills like suturing, intubation, and inserting IV’s.
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MEDscienceLAB
As a member of the MEDscienceLAB Forensics Team, you will learn how scientists solve crimes. Hands-on investigative inquiry will lead to analysis of crime scene evidence in the laboratory. With your team, you will play the role of the forensic scientist and learn how critical thinking and collaboration are the key to a successful criminal investigation!
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MEDscienceTECH Foundations
Join MEDscienceTECH to build cutting edge solutions to current medical technology problems. Students will learn the design thinking process and present their prototypes to industry professionals throughout the program. Students will be exposed to computer science, artificial intelligence, surgical robotics, and engineering to arm them with the skills of the future.
