Camps, Pre-College Programs and College Workshops
The College of Staten Island offers a variety of programs for pre-college students, rising juniors and seniors, elementary/middle schoolers and more.
- Experience a vibrant campus in the rich tradition of a senior college in a spacious, picturesque setting
- Jumpstart and enhance your college education
- Learn from top-notch faculty
- Gain a competitive advantage for college admission
- Gain valuable life skills and athletic training
Summer 2026 Early Research Series: Biology Workshops
Hands-on science and real-world skills.
Choose from two workshops:
- Metagenomics: DNA Sequencing
- Cell Biology and Microscopy
CSI Summer Camp
Our summer camp program encompasses a multitude of activities every day. Campers will be participating in daily rotations of playing a variety of sports (basketball, soccer, football, swimming, and more!), gaming, performing arts, participating in arts and crafts, learning how to program robots, participating in the camp play, and more.
Early Research Series: Biology Workshops
Start building your research experience!
The Department of Biology at the College of Staten Island offers exciting high-level early research opportunities for aspiring researchers, pre-health and pre-med students. Current CSI students and high school students who have taken a year of Biology are eligible to participate. All of these opportunities allow students to conduct research early in their academic careers.
METAGENOMICS: DNA SEQUENCING
DISCOVER THE HIDDEN WORLD OF MICROBES!
Join our exclusive summer research workshop in Metagenomics — the study of microbial DNA from the environment and the human body.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dates: Session 1: 6/2/26 - 6/25/26 OR Session 2: 7/7/26 – 7/30/26
Where: College of Staten Island
Biology and Chemistry
Building 6S, Room 145
Cost: $550 - Online payment available.
Capacity: 24 seats available per session – first come, first served!
The workshop is open to High School Juniors & Seniors, and CSI Students!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Extract microbial DNA
- Use PCR to amplify and analyze genes
- Use Agarose Gel Electrophoresis to visualize PCR products
- Use Nanodrop to assess DNA quality and concentration
- Identify bacteria using bioinformatics tools
- Learn cutting-edge techniques in a real lab
READY TO APPLY?
Apply Online Now: https://forms.office.com/r/H9RXgsDXgz
Questions? Email Faiza.Peetz@csi.cuny.edu
CELL BIOLOGY AND MICROSCOPY
Cell Biology and Microscopy Workshop
Explore the science behind how cells function, communicate, and contribute to human health and disease through this immersive, hands-on research opportunity. Hosted by the Center for Developmental Neuroscience and the Department of Biology, this exciting summer program is designed for motivated high school and undergraduate students interested in gaining real laboratory research experience in cell biology.
Participants will work alongside researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and laboratory staff while learning foundational and advanced laboratory techniques used in modern biological research. Students will gain practical experience studying molecular and cellular processes, using microscopy equipment, conducting experiments, and developing essential lab and research skills in a collaborative college environment.
Throughout the program, students will:
- Engage in hands-on laboratory experiments
- Learn microscopy and cell analysis techniques
- Participate in daily discussions and research activities with faculty and researchers
- Build foundational skills in scientific inquiry and laboratory practice
- Complete and present a final research report
- Experience college-level research and academic life alongside peers with shared interests in science and healthcare
This is an excellent early research opportunity for students considering careers in biology, medicine, neuroscience, healthcare, or scientific research.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Time: Monday–Thursday • 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (2-week program).
Dates: Session 1: June 22–July 2 OR Session 2: July 6–16
Where: College of Staten Island
Biology and Chemistry
Building 6S, Room/Lab 018
Cost: $575 - Online payment available.
Capacity: 24 seats available per session – first come, first served!
Eligibility
- High school students who have completed at least one year of Biology
- Current undergraduate students
Enrollment
Please complete the Cell Biology and Microscopy Workshop Registration form and then follow the enrollment instructions provided after submission.
Questions? Contact:
- Dr. Chang-Hui Shen, Chairperson and Professor, Department of Biology • chang-hui.shen@csi.cuny.edu • 718.982.3998
- Emmanuel Esperance, Jr., Director of Recruitment and Admissions • emmanuel.esperance@csi.cuny.edu • 718.982.2190