Biomedical engineers develop the medical technology that saves lives. In our Biomedical Engineering academic program, you'll spend half of they day in the classroom, developing skills in scientific reasoning and asking research questions, and half of the day in the lab practicing 3D printing, 3D design, DNA extraction, and much more.
This multiple award-winning program covers the fundamental biological knowledge necessary to develop medical technologies and devices. Students go over biochemistry, materials chemistry, and scientific reasoning. Students work with DNA via extraction and transformation into bacteria, as well as practice 3D design and 3D printing. Teens discuss current breakthroughs in, and also ethics and societal implications of, biophysics, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Jeremiah Johnston, who earned his Masters of Science in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University, returns to lead this program every year. Last year, Jeremiah and students from the program visited A Step Ahead Prosthetics, and Boston University’s Biomedical Engineering Department!
This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens. Residential students at the Longwood Medical Area must be rising tenth graders or above. Students at the Dana Hall location may be rising eighth graders or above.
Cost and Session Information
Session 1: June 23 – July 11, 2025 | Olin College, Needham, MA
Session 2: July 14 – August 1, 2025 | The Newman School, Boston, MA
Testimonials(11)
"The program exposed me to many different types and innovative current medical devices. It's very eye opening to see what the world has been up to. There were several field trips which enhanced my interest on BME. Jeremiah is a very interesting, knowledgeable person, he always want to give us 'insight' to what it actually is to be a scientist/engineers."
- Student Comment- August 2, 2019
"The teachers were very knowledgeable about what they were teaching, and I enjoyed the hands-on lab activities that gave us a more clear understanding of the type of daily work/research that biomedical engineers do in their careers daily. The program also showed how different areas of scientific expertise work together."
- Student Comment- August 2, 2019
"This year at BLI I was able to gain exposure to a revolutionary subject in science that is omitted from the typical high school curriculum-biomedical engineering. Each lecture and lab helped me understand a new subject, Jeremiah and Jen were both amazing and committed teachers that put in extra time and effort to help my partner and I develop a project that we were proud of. I especially liked that the program covered unique and specific subjects such as prosthetics, cancer and sensors. My teachers were both great mentors that offered guidance to me and allowed me to reach a greater potential."
- Student Comment- July 12, 2019
"I liked the labs we did, and they gave me insight into the work of a biomedical engineer. I learned a lot at this program and the teachers were very willing to clarify any confusions I had. Overall, this program was a great experience. Jeremiah was a very helpful teacher since he gave good advice on my group's IRP(individual research project), and he made sure he explained everything thoroughly in class."
- Student Comment- August 3, 2018
"Jeremiah enhanced my learning experience. I thought that the TA Sophia was very nice as well as she helped us with the work we did in class. I also enjoyed that Jeremiah would explain things in depth if we needed help."
- Student Comment- July 13, 2018
"I really enjoyed the activities and lessons. I learned something new each day and there was a good balance between the labs/activities and lessons. The class was comfortable and you didn't have to worry about anything. I liked how easy going the teacher was and the fact that he really interacted with us. He made this class engaging. I really enjoyed the labs and the field trips we had."
- Student Comment- August 3, 2018
'I really enjoyed the program and my teacher Jeremiah. The BME program opened me up to different fields, while letting me take part in hands-on experiments. I also liked the independent research project because that is why I chose this program. We were given the ability to research a topic of interest and come up with a plausible solution. This allowed me to gain an interest in a certain aspect of biomedical engineering, which I can continue on later. Jeremiah really made the program and the three week experience great.'
- Student Comment- July 7, 2017
'The program was without a doubt the most incredible thing I have ever done over any summer or year. I didn't know what to think when I signed up, but I am so glad I did. Jeremiah is wonderfully intriguing, and I don't think I have or ever will again, meet someone as fantastic as he is. The class is engaging and Jeremiah managed to mold the lessons and activities to all of our specific interests.'
- Student Comment- August 4, 2017
'This program was really fun and engaging. BME is great to learn about gene editing, mechanical implants and much more. Jeremiah is extremely qualified and taught a lot. I really liked how Jeremiah was teaching us so that we could learn a lot while not just giving us answers.'
- Student Comment- July 8, 2016
'Biomedical engineering was truly wonderful. I learned important skills for research and the vital elements of the subject. Mr. Johnston made this topic interesting and his wealth of knowledge was apparent. '
- Student Comment- July 8, 2016
'Biomedical engineering was truly wonderful. I learned important skills for research and the vital elements of the subject. Mr. Johnston made this topic interesting and his wealth of knowledge was apparent.'
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