Students in the program are selected by their middle-school counselors. Work starts in the freshman year. They begin honors science classes at Fox Tech High School, and begin an escalating course of study with Health Science Center faculty. By the senior year, the students spend a half-day four days a week at the Health Science Center, usually in labs and under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Rosemary Castro, a biomedical teacher at Fox Tech, said the professional setting and demand for quality work have an immediate effect on the students.
Many faculty members are mentors in less formal programs they often arrange themselves.
One who has been widely acknowledged for his work is John F. Alderete, PhD, professor of microbiology. Since 1981, Dr. Alderete has worked on campus with more than 20 interns and fellows who have ranged from high school students to individuals engaged in post- doctoral work. He also lectures to middle and high school students and undergraduate groups in Texas, New Mexico and states in the South. Dr. Alderete said there is a shortage of scientists yet many talented students, particularly women and minorities, receive little encouragement to join the field. He sees things changing, especially among those considering graduate school.