The Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program honors the life and legacy of Dr. Charis Eng , an internationally renowned physician-scientist, mentor, and pioneer in genetic and genomic medicine whose impact transformed both science and patient care.
Dr. Eng dedicated her career to advancing precision medicine through groundbreaking discoveries in cancer genetics. Her work revolutionized clinical genetic management for countless patients around the world and helped shape the modern field of genomic medicine.
Just as importantly, Dr. Eng was deeply committed to mentorship and training. Throughout her career, she invested in the development of students, trainees, clinicians, and early-career scientists, creating opportunities and opening doors for the next generation of biomedical leaders. Colleagues and mentees consistently described her as brilliant, visionary, rigorous, compassionate, and profoundly dedicated to helping others succeed.
That commitment to scientific excellence paired with meaningful mentorship reflects the core values of Monell’s apprenticeship program. For more than 40 years, the program has introduced talented students to hands-on research experiences, professional development, and scientific discovery — helping young scientists see themselves in careers they may never have imagined possible.
By carrying Dr. Eng’s name forward, the program celebrates not only her extraordinary scientific legacy, but also her belief that the future of discovery depends on investing in people, nurturing curiosity, and creating pathways into science for the next generation.

Through the generous support of the Monell Foundation, Dr. Eng’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students pursuing careers in science, healthcare, and discovery. The naming of the program reflects a shared commitment to mentorship, scientific excellence, and expanding access to meaningful research experiences for students from historically underrepresented communities.

Earlier this year, Monell released the 2025 MSAP Impact Report, showcasing the remarkable accomplishments of the program’s most recent cohort. The report highlighted the educational experiences, research projects, mentorship, and professional growth that made the summer a transformative experience for participating apprentices.
As we look ahead to welcoming the inaugural cohort of the Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program, we remain excited to build on this momentum and continue expanding opportunities for the next generation of scientists and healthcare leaders.
The Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program’s mission is to stimulate an enduring interest in biomedical science and medicine as future careers. Recognized as one of the 25 Best Pre-College Summer Science Programs for High School Students by Best College Reviews, MSAP provides students with unique opportunities to learn from leading scientists and professionals.
Each summer, the Summer Seminar Series brings together speakers selected for their inspiring career paths, their influence on the scientific community, and their dedication to mentoring the next generation. These sessions not only expand apprentices’ knowledge of science but also demonstrate the many directions a career in STEM can take. Learn more by checking out the seminars listed below and stay in touch to find out about future seminars.
The Seminar Series is open to the public!
Students across the Philadelphia area can join us in-person in the Monell library. Others are welcome to attend via Zoom. To register for upcoming seminars, visit: monell.org/events.