Synthesis

Human Biology Synthesis: HUMBIO 192 series (2-3 units per quarter for 6 units total, letter grade only). Regardless of enrollment, students are expected to work on their project throughout their Senior year. 

Applications are now closed for Class of 2025. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and due no later than Friday, week 2 of Autumn quarter, Senior year. Applications will close early if cohort reaches capacity. Juniors interested in starting the Synthesis before Senior year should discuss their options with the Capstone Coordinator.

The synthesis is a platform that allows you to bring your personal and academic interests together into a culminating intellectual, creative project. It is an opportunity for you to explore topics within or outside of your Area of Concentration through mediums that include creative writing (non-fiction or fiction), alternative media (visual arts), and service projects. You present your work during senior year at the spring quarter Human Biology Senior Symposium. The synthesis is broadly defined to foster creativity and intellectual latitude in your project.

There is no formal class associated with the Synthesis series. There are quarterly assignments and workshops that will provide you with guidance toward completing your Synthesis project. The workshops are designed to connect you with a small community of students with this shared experience and to help develop your project more fully. Workshops are scheduled based on cohort availability. Additionally, a Faculty Mentor is required for Synthesis projects and acts as someone who can give you practical insights and critical feedback to enhance the quality of your project throughout the academic year. Synthesis projects are showcased at the HumBio Symposium. For full details, students should refer to the Capstone Handbook.

Getting Started 

1. Have an idea of a project that ties together your HumBio experience. Set up a meeting to discuss your project with Dr. Katherine Preston or Samantha Cooper. Booking links are:
   1. Katherine Preston
   2. Samantha Cooper
2. Find a faculty mentor. Contact student services if you need assistance identifying someone. 
3. Consider the medium of your final product.  
4. Apply - these are reviewed on a rolling basis with a final deadline during week two of Fall quarter, Senior year. 

Apply below:

Synthesis Application

Note: some Synthesis projects could benefit from funding to help cover expenses that might be required to create the final product. We encourage students considering Synthesis projects to learn about and apply for support from the Bingham Innovation Fund. Apply for funding during the Winter quarter (2nd quarter of their 

Bingham Innovation Fund