Dons' Summer Highlights - Annie Verkoczy ‘26 and Cate Tran ‘26

☀️Dons’ Summer Highlights☀️ Annie Verkoczy ‘26 and Cate Tran ‘26 are completing a research internship at the Applied Biomedical Science Institute. They have been able to expand their knowledge of biology by learning about laboratory techniques, complex genetic research (such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc) and vaccines. They are also able to tour various facilities and learn about possible careers in biology. Both credit Mrs. Lopatka for being such a great mentor in their Biology Honors class, teaching them the knowledge to be able to understand the presentations at their internship! They both hope to major in biotechnology in order to help others and help find cures for diseases.

Annie says, “This is part of a summer long internship program for high school and college students. The first week is a mini camp on research at the institute that allows high school freshmen and sophomores get an introduction to the internship program for subsequent years.” Annie shares that her interest in this opportunity stemmed from her freshman biology course. She says, “I really enjoyed Mrs. Lopatka’s Bio Honors class and was inspired to apply those concepts in some sort of science camp, especially in a real biomedical research institute!” Cate echoes her statement, saying, “My love for biology has definitely grown after being in Mrs. Lopatka’s Biology Honors class this past year. Her class has given me a strong foundation to build on and I am confident in my biology knowledge.”

At Cathedral Catholic, Annie is involved in the JV Tennis Team and National English Honor Society. Cate participates in Tennis, Track and Field, as well as the Hearts of Cathedral and Pre-Med Clubs on campus.

Cate Tran '26 at work in the lab.

Annie Verkoczy '26 at work in the lab.

Cate and Annie together at their research internship at the Applied Biomedical Science Institute.