Molecular Medicine In Action (MMIA) is a FREE of charge annual program that was developed by representatives of the Riley Children’s Foundation, the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, IU School of Medicine, the Indiana Association of Biology Teachers, and the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers. Their hope was to inspire high school students interested in pursuing careers in science by providing a real-world look and hands-on experience with cutting-edge medical research that will revolutionize healthcare in the 21st Century. Over the past 25 years, more than 1,200 students have participated, with many achieving the vision of having flourishing careers in medicine and science.
Molecular Medicine in Action
Helping Indiana high schoolers explore careers in science and medicine.
Program Details
The MMIA program seeks a diverse group of talented students who have demonstrated interest and potential in science. The selected cohort will spend two days learning about the latest techniques in molecular biology, cytogenetics, and cancer therapy, including analysis of gene expression, imaging technology, and modulation of cancer cell growth. The program provides stimulating learning opportunities to foster a deeper understanding across a broad scope of discovery disciplines.
MMIA aims to inspire Indiana youth to explore careers that drive the progress of knowledge and innovation, with an emphasis on basic and translational research. Our overarching goal of the symposium is to increase students’ excitement for science, increase the number of students that ultimately select science as a career choice and provide hands-on learning in a state-of-the art medical research environment.
The Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research is committed to providing students with a program experience full of diverse thoughts, perspectives and abilities. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. As the nation's largest medical school, the IU School of Medicine is committed to being an institution that not only reflects the diversity of the learners we teach and the patient populations we serve, but also pursues the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that inform academic excellence.
Applications are open!
The next MMIA Symposium is on Sunday, February 23, through Monday, February 24, 2025. Applications, along with teacher nomination forms, are due November 8, 2024. Students and their parents will be notified of acceptance the week of January 6, 2025. Please contact mmia@iu.edu with any questions.
YouTube Video
Get a glimpse of the MMIA experience!
What participants are saying about MMIA
Past participants shared their thoughts following their experience in the Molecular Medicine in Action Program:
“I am so grateful to have been a part of this opportunity!” - Hannah from Newburgh
“I found the program really informative and helpful. It was definitely a nice way to get people an opportunity to experience science careers.” - Lucia from Indianapolis
“The program was amazing, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!” - Addie from Mooreland
“The only thing that could have made it better was if it was longer!!” - Victoria from Evansville
“This program was extremely well- organized and catered to various interests and aspects in the medical/research field.” -Jui from Avon
“This program helped me narrow down the career field I want to go into.” - Francisco from Indianapolis
“This program was 100% worth my time. I am very grateful for the science I got to see, the lectures I got to hear, and the new people I got to meet. I had a lovely time making memories that will last me a lifetime. ” - Selena from Bremen
“The MMIA program was worth my time because I got the opportunity to take a deep dive into multiple different areas of scientific research so that I could decide what area of research I am most interested in. I really enjoyed learning about the research on malaria.” - Anya from Roanoke
“MMIA was an enlightening program that facilitated my love for the research environment. I believe that medical research is now a career pathway that I hope to one day be a part of. Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity!” - Vincent from Bloomington
Frequently Asked Questions
Molecular Medicine in Action is a two-day, hands-on program for Indiana high school sophomore, junior and senior students. Participants will learn about goals and methodologies that are applied by scientists at IU to investigate the molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms that contribute to diseases, including cancer, diabetes, stem cells and angiogenesis.
Note: Applications for the 2025 program are currently open until November 8, 2024.
To apply to the MMIA program, you must be an Indiana high school student (grade 10-12) and able to attend BOTH days of the program on Sunday, February 23 and Monday, February 24, 2025.
Before you apply, you will need:
• The name and email address of your nominating teacher
• The name, address and phone number of your current high school
• Your school principal's name
• The email address of your parent/guardian
• A brief (250-word max) essay is required: Why do you want to participate in this program and why should you be selected?
Additionally, be prepared to answer questions related to your extracurricular and volunteer activities and completed science courses.
- Increase students’ excitement and awareness for education and career opportunities in science
- Provide hands-on learning in a state-of-the art medicine and allied health environment
- Increase the number of students that ultimately select science as a career choice
At MMIA, you'll explore the breadth of educational pathways and career opportunities in medicine and science. You'll meet scientists, clinicians, counselors and professors at IU School of Medicine and IU Health. You'll also learn about various case studies, concepts and methodologies that are actively used in IU research laboratories at the Wells Center.
Molecular Medicine in Action features engaging group discussions on current events in science, such as infectious diseases, genetics, bioethics, and careers in science in medicine. Additionally, students will participate in hands-on experiments in active laboratories at the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, including those that focus on cancer, diabetes, immunology, cytogenetics, and more!
- Work side-by-side with IU School of Medicine researchers and physicians in laboratory work stations
- Learn where we are in the fight against cancer and diabetes
- Learn how modern molecular biology techniques are used for gene discovery, mutation analysis and cellular function
- Meet and interact with top scientists and other high school student from across the State of Indiana
MMIA is jointly organized by a team of faculty and staff at the Wells Center and a committee of Indiana science teachers. During the event, teacher volunteers and a team of IU faculty and staff are committed to supervising the event and keeping student participants safe.
Large events hosted at Indiana University (including Molecular Medicine in Action) must adhere to university health and safety policies. Currently, there are no policies that advise against in-person events for spring 2025. Selected applicants and their parents/guardians will be notified of event changes as they arise.
For information on health and safety conduct while participating in the program, view Indiana University’s guidance for campus visitors.
For questions related to Molecular Medicine in Action, contact MMIA Program Coordinator Katie Jackson at mmia@iu.edu.
You MUST park valet at The Westin Indianapolis hotel on Sunday, February 23. The MMIA staff will give you a parking validation ticket that will pay for your parking after you have dropped off your student. There will be NO parking reimbursement on Monday, February 24. You will use the curbside pick up area to pick up your child. Please reach out to Katie Jackson at mmia@iu.edu with any questions.