Summer of Research at WCM-Q for Qatari High School Students

Qatari high school students with a love of science spent the summer gaining hands-on research experience at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q).

Eleven students aged 16-18 completed the WCM-Q Research Internship for National High School Students program, which gives young Qataris who are keen to pursue careers in science the chance to work in WCM-Q’s state-of-the-art laboratories and learn from leading biomedical researchers.

In addition to learning practical research skills, the students were also given advice to help them make their college applications stronger, and took classes in self-directed study, critical thinking and time management.

The program, which is delivered by WCM-Q’s Research Division, has now completed its fourth annual cycle. It aims not only to equip high school students with practical skills, but also to give them a glimpse of life as biomedical researchers, fueling their passion for science and scholarship. Many students who complete the program go on to apply to study medicine at WCM-Q.

High school student Mooza Al-Hail, aged 16, attends Al Maha Academy for Girls. She said: “I have been able to spend a lot of time in the lab actually learning real skills and seeing how research is done, which has been really exciting. Biology is my favorite subject at school and I would love to study medicine at WCM-Q in the future. I have also learned about perseverance because when you are doing any project you find lots of obstacles. I learned that if you work hard and think critically you can find a way through and succeed.”

Christy Poppe, senior research training specialist at WCM-Q, said: “Bringing enthusiastic young Qatari high school students to WCM-Q to gain research experience not only helps them plot successful careers but also enhances Qatar’s ability to conduct world-class biomedical research, helping to build upon the country’s growing status as a regional research hub.”

The Research Internship for National High School Students program targets Qatari nationals who are 16 years old and above. The program also counts towards students’ voluntary community service hours. Students who complete the course can log between 50 and 100 hours of service, depending on whether they take the two-week or four-week option.