COSMOS Student Profiles
COSMOS is a month-long residential program for California high school students who demonstrate high achievement in science and mathematics and are motivated to explore complex topics in depth. Participants attend classes and live in the residence halls at one of four UC campuses--Davis, Irvine, San Diego or Santa Cruz-- and have the opportunity to engage in social activities during the evening and field trips on weekends. Special events are designed to enhance students' personal, social and academic growth. Each COSMOS site offers different theme-based course clusters that reflect the unique resources and specialties of the campus.
NATALIE COX
Mendocino High School,
Mendocino, Mendocino County
10th Grade
UC San Diego COSMOS 2005
Participated in the Molecular Biology Cluster
I learned about the UCSD COSMOS program last year while researching possible summer camps in the San Diego area and was at once interested by its science and math focus, and in particular the Molecular Biology cluster. I later discovered it was also being advertised at my rural high school here in Mendocino, California, so I at once began the online application process. In the sixth and seventh grade I had participated in a GATE sponsored DNA Workshop, so the opportunity to once more expand my knowledge of Molecular Biology and work with the equipment and subject matter which had previously enthralled me was very exciting. My science and math teachers were also very enthusiastic to see me expand my knowledge outside of our limited high school and assisted two other students and me in applying from our school of 200 students. During the COSMOS program, the wealth of knowledge I was exposed to was unbelievable, as we performed advanced microscopic procedures in the laboratories and heard esteemed professors and experts speak during the Discovery lecture series. The residential aspect of COSMOS UCSD was also very impressive, with impeccable dormitories, open, accepting peers, and numerous well-planned, entertaining activities. With every afternoon kept busy and enjoyable through talent shows, outdoor movies, game shows, craft fairs, and dances, I remember not only my amazing academic experience at COSMOS, but the wonderful time I had socially as well. After spending one month with the brilliant staff and exceptional student body of COSMOS, I returned home feeling inspired to further expand my scientific knowledge through participation in the local science fair or perhaps by attending another scientifically focused program. COSMOS UCSD was an amazing experience I am unlikely to ever forget, and I fully recommend it to other students interested in mathematical or scientific fields.
Natalie Cox
Mendocino