About
Dr. Dayu Teng, Co-Director of the Whitaker Center for Biomedical Engineering at UC San Diego’s Institute of Engineering in Medicine, has been mentoring high school and college students since 2006. Through years of working with young scholars, he has developed a unique summer biotechnology program designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, physicians, and innovators.
The program introduces students to real-world biomedical research, emerging biotechnology, and healthcare innovation—areas shaping the future of medicine. Under the guidance of experienced researchers and industry professionals, students gain early exposure to how scientific discoveries become life-saving technologies and new biotech ventures, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and a clearer vision for their future.
Mission
Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of scientific thinkers by strengthening the foundations of science, critical reasoning, and independent thought. While much of traditional education emphasizes memorizing established knowledge, true innovation arises from the ability to question, analyze, and develop new solutions to complex problems.
In this program, students learn to think like scientists—applying the principles of the scientific method, philosophy of science, and statistical reasoning to analyze problems and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Through this training, we encourage students to move beyond passive learning and develop the confidence to think independently, reason rationally, and approach the world’s challenges with clarity, curiosity, and intellectual rigor.
By building these fundamental skills, the program empowers students to become thoughtful innovators and future leaders in biotechnology, medicine, scientific discovery and most other fields.
Vision
Our vision is to inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and critical thinkers by building a strong foundation in science, independent thinking, and rational decision-making. In a world increasingly shaped by biotechnology and scientific discovery, we believe students should learn not only what is known, but how knowledge is created.
Through training in the scientific method, evidence-based reasoning, and statistical thinking, we aim to cultivate students who can analyze complex problems, think independently, and develop innovative solutions. By nurturing curiosity, intellectual rigor, and confidence, the program prepares students to become future leaders in biotechnology, medicine, and scientific discovery.
