In an inspiring demonstration of community partnership and educational innovation, UC Davis Health’s
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (BMM) wrapped up its annual Summer Research
Program for Sacramento Charter High School (SCHS) students.

From June 9 to August 1, 2025, ten students from SCHS immersed themselves in the world of basic
science, gaining hands-on experience in UC Davis Health’s research laboratories. Each student was
assigned to a BMM laboratory, paired with a dedicated mentor, learning techniques such as lab safety,
documentation, data integrity, and pipetting—skills that most students encounter only in college or
beyond.

The program, spearheaded by Professors Kit Lam, MD, PhD, and Megan Dennis, PhD, is part of a growing
initiative to create community-engaged, equity-driven pathways into the world of science.
To celebrate their achievements, the BMM department hosted a Program Completion Ceremony inside

Aggie Square, where students, their lab mentors, Principal Investigators, and Interim Department Chair
Fernando Santana, PhD, gathered for reflections, student presentations, and a certificate ceremony. The
event underscored strong university-community collaboration. Students received certificates and
participated in a group photo as a lasting visual highlight.

Looking ahead to 2026, the department is set to elevate the student experience even further by
incorporating AI-powered learning tools to capture the imagination—and attention—of today’s digitally
fluent Generation Z.

“The 2026 BMM-SCHS Summer Program will introduce students to research in basic science through
interactive AI tools,” said Adriane Joo PhD, Chief Administrative Officer at BMM. “We’re integrating AI
tools to ensure our Gen Z students not only receive the information they need to succeed in their
summer research—but also enjoy the process. Our goal is to create an experience that’s engaging,
meaningful, and fun, while helping them build the professionalism and confidence they’ll carry into the
real world.”

From career exploration to research mentorship, the program serves as a model for how academic
medical centers can invest in local youth, reflect the communities they serve, and build bridges through
education, innovation, and trust.

This summer’s success highlights the evolving role of Aggie Square as more than a development
project—it’s a hub for transformative learning and community collaboration. And with AI-enhanced
learning on the horizon, BMM is just getting started. For further information, please visit BMM’s official
website at https://health.ucdavis.edu/biochem/.