For a lot of us, summer brings to mind beach days, road trips, and a break from the usual routine. But at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, summer takes on a whole different energy. It’s a season of discovery, connection, and inspiration as we host hundreds of students and teachers on campus for learning opportunities. This is what we proudly call our Summer of STEM. GFiber, as our Presenting Sponsor, helps us make it all happen.

As Vice President of Educational Outreach at HudsonAlpha, I get a front-row seat to the excitement that unfolds on our campus every summer. Students light up as they extract DNA for the first time. Interns build confidence as they contribute to real-world research. Teachers discover new teaching methods that will impact thousands of students back home. This season reminds me why we do what we do, and why it matters so deeply.

Summer of STEM is HudsonAlpha’s flagship series of summer education programs designed to inspire curiosity and expand access to science. From middle schoolers just beginning to see themselves as scientists, to undergrads stepping into professional research environments, to educators growing their practice, the Summer of STEM offers something for every stage of a person’s STEM journey.

This summer, we’ve reached 332 students and 113 educators from 23 Alabama counties and 8 states across the U.S. Each person we welcome is a future innovator, researcher, or teacher who will shape the future of science and technology in our country.

Our middle school summer camps and high school summer programs are where young scientists get a taste of what it feels like to do science. In our state-of-the-art teaching labs, students dive into hands-on experiments like DNA extractions, building bio-indicators, and even trying their hand at CRISPR gene editing.

We hosted nearly 200 campers this summer, and I’m always amazed at how excited and energetic our young learners are. These experiences are fun, but they also build confidence and encourage students to picture themselves working in science in college and beyond. Many middle school students find their time at HudsonAlpha so engaging that they often enroll in our high school summer camps, building on their STEM skills and confidence. 

For undergraduate or graduate students who already have an idea of where they want their career to go, our BioTrain Internship Program provides real-world experience working alongside professionals in our research labs and business offices. For the last 17 years, our BioTrain program has been more than just a summer job for these students. It’s a launch pad. Interns leave with not only lab and life skills, but also mentors, expanded professional networks, and a clearer sense of where their passions might lead them. Dozens of past interns now work at HudsonAlpha in our research labs and offices, and many more have gone on to pursue careers in medicine, research, education, and science communication.

Teachers are the backbone of developing the STEM workforce of tomorrow. That’s why our Summer of STEM also includes intensive workshops for middle and high school educators. This year, 113 teachers are participating in professional learning on HudsonAlpha’s campus, digging into the latest in genetics and genomics education.

These teachers return to their schools equipped with new lessons, hands-on materials, and excitement for the school year ahead. Collectively, they’ll impact thousands of students, a ripple effect we’re incredibly proud of.

Summer at HudsonAlpha is busy, but it’s also one of the most meaningful times of the year for me and my team. It’s one of the times when our mission of Educational Outreach comes to life in the most visible way. Watching students discover their love for science or hearing a teacher say, “This is exactly what I needed,” is why we do this every day.

As a nonprofit, our Summer of STEM programs wouldn’t be possible without philanthropic support. We are deeply grateful to our 2025 Presenting Sponsor, GFiber. To us, GFiber’s support means more than just funding. It’s an investment in the next generation of scientists, problem solvers, and leaders.

I’m honored to thank our students, educators, interns, and our Presenting Sponsor, GFiber, for making this summer unforgettable.

Posted By Kelly East, VP for Educational Outreach, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology