Interview on Mentoring at the CALSIAN Biotechnology Camp

 This summer, middle school students from across the country gathered at Seoul National University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Every year, SNU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences organize a biotechnology camp for middle school students nationwide interested in the field, providing them with the opportunity to explore diverse areas of biotechnology. The camp offers hands-on experiments that are not typically accessible in middle school settings, along with lectures from professors. CALSIAN members, the university’s official promotional team for the CALS, also participate as mentors, offering advice to the students. We interviewed Kim Na-kyung, a 21st CALSIAN member.

 

Q. Thank you for joining us. Could you introduce yourself?

A. Hello, I’m Na-kyung Kim, a member of the 21st CALSIAN member majoring in Crop Science and Biotechnology.


Q. Can you tell us about this summer’s biotechnology camp program?

A. This biotechnology camp, organized by Seoul National University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and hosted by Seoul Newspaper Co., has reached its 20th year. It’s a summer break program for middle school students and was held from July 30 to August 2 over three days at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Through lectures, students were introduced to the latest biotechnology research and technology, and they also participated in experiments that helped them gain a hands-on understanding of biotechnology. Alongside academic lectures, students attended career and counseling sessions, giving them space to reflect on their futures. CALSIAN members like myself participated as mentors throughout the camp.


Q. What activities did the students engage in during the camp?

A. The camp featured various activities, including Professor Kang Chang-gu’s experiment on the “Behavior and Social Evolution of Crickets” and Professor Ki Chang-seok’s “Making Orange Cosmetics” experiment. Lectures included topics like Professor Kim Hyung-seok’s “Crop Remote Sensing and the Future of Open-field Smart Farming,” Professor An Tae-in’s “Controlled Environment Agriculture,” and Professor Kwak Hyo-won’s “Sustainable Materials Derived from Wood.” Students also attended career guidance sessions with Dr. Min Ji-sik and counseling sessions with counselor Jeon Yoon-kyung.


Q. The CALSIAN mentors seemed to play a big role in providing a valuable experience for students at the camp. What role did you all take on as mentors?

A. A total of eight CALSIAN members participated, with six members mentoring each of the camp’s groups, and two managing event operations. Group mentors assisted students during experiments and lectures. After lectures, students had dedicated team time with CALSIAN mentors. On the first evening, one of the event coordinators acted as MC for recreational activities, helping students from different areas connect and bond. Group mentors encouraged students to engage actively in these activities. On the second evening, we held mentoring sessions, pairing up to cover topics such as “Study Methods,” “High School Choices,” “Career Paths,” and “College Life.” On the final day, we guided students on a campus tour, serving as mentors and caretakers throughout the camp’s three days.


Q. You must have many memories from spending three days with the students. Is there a particularly memorable moment from the camp?

A. I was especially moved when some mentees expressed their gratitude after finding inspiration for their dreams through the camp. At first, I worried if middle school students would be able to focus through long lectures. But seeing my group members enthusiastically taking notes, I asked, “Did you enjoy the class?” One student, who usually preferred theoretical lectures, mentioned they found the experimental classes fascinating. Another student shared that they hadn’t previously considered this field but were now inspired to explore it further as a career. Yet another student promised me they would study hard to return to SNU, asking that I be there to greet them when they arrived. Hearing such stories made me feel both proud and hopeful for the future of agricultural sciences.


Q. What kind of safety measures did CALSIAN prepare to ensure student safety during the camp?

A. We were very vigilant about safety, especially given the many places we took the students. Although the lectures were all held in Room 201 of Building 200 at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, breakfasts were at the student hall, and lunch and dinner were at either the dormitory cafeteria or classrooms. Additionally, the entire camp stayed overnight at the Hoam Faculty House, which is some distance from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We conducted regular head counts and required that students inform their group leader before going anywhere. To prevent students from leaving the dorm at night, we also conducted room checks to ensure everyone was present.

 

Q. Do you have any future plans for mentoring at upcoming biotechnology camps?

A. Seeing mentees find their dreams through this camp has inspired me to think about offering even more opportunities for students to experience a range of major courses within our college. The organizers worked hard to design an experimental, hands-on curriculum that demonstrated the latest research trends. I believe continuing in this direction would be beneficial. CALSIAN will continue striving to make a positive impression of SNU and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We want to be more than just mentors; we aim to be approachable older siblings whom students can turn to for advice. For example, one of my mentees even interviewed me for a school project in agricultural sciences. I hope to continue helping students discover more about the agricultural sciences field.


Q. Do you have any advice for students who participated in or plan to attend the biotechnology camp?

A. Students attending or planning to attend this camp are all passionate individuals who are either pursuing or exploring academic interests. Some know exactly what they want to do, while others are still searching. My hope is that they make the most of this unique experience of staying at SNU, attending lectures, and getting to know their own ambitions. I also encourage them to feel comfortable reaching out to CALSIAN members for advice. We’ve all been through high school and experienced challenges with career choices and setbacks, so we understand the importance of seeking support.

Q. Finally, what type of student would you recommend this camp to?

A. This camp is ideal for students interested in the agricultural and life sciences, those who haven’t yet found their goal, or anyone curious about SNU. While the courses are rooted in life sciences, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences encompasses engineering, chemistry, and applied fields, meaning students with interests in these areas could also benefit. Furthermore, as disciplines become increasingly interdisciplinary, this “biotechnology camp” at SNU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers an excellent opportunity to explore a broad range of fields. I’m confident the camp provides new insights and perspectives for all students, regardless of whether they’re deeply interested in the subject or simply exploring.