Story written and provided by Cincinnati Children’s.
During Discovery Day, students visited a Cincinnati Children’s lab to observe zebrafish that are used to study heart development and regeneration.
Young people learn about science and research during fourth annual Discovery Day
Cincinnati Children’s recently hosted it’s fourth annual Discovery Day where more than 140 middle and high school students had the opportunity to meet Cincinnati Children’s researchers and health professionals and learn about science and medical careers.
The students were among the first in the community to see the health system’s new Winslow Research Pavilion. Mike Pauciulo, director of the Discover Together Biobank, walked the students through the lab, showing how test tubes are tracked and how parts of blood are isolated. He also showed how specimens are kept extremely cold, from -80°C freezers for DNA, plasm, serum, and other biofluids to -190°C liquid nitrogen tanks for cells that could be used or grown later.
“There aren’t many outlets for kids to see the kinds of science that happens at Cincinnati Children’s,” Pauciulo said. “I hope we can spur their interest in science so they pursue careers where they can contribute to our knowledge of health and disease. We can always use more smart scientists!”
Discovery Day kicked off with keynote remarks by Kahleb Graham, MD, who encouraged young people to be curious and ask questions, to look for ways to improve and to serve others.
Students also rotated through several locations at Cincinnati Children’s Burnet Campus and the research pavilion. They visited a lab to observe zebrafish used to study heart development and regeneration. Scientists demonstrated how gels and electricity are used to study acids and proteins, how liquids are measured and moved in a lab and how microscopes are used. The students performed exercises with the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy team and breathing and stress release activities with the Mental and Behavioral Health team.
“I’ve always wanted to see behind the scenes what scientists do,” said Leila, a senior who came to Discovery Day to get more insight about research and medical fields as she considers one day going to medical or graduate school. “Seeing tissues and zebrafish on the microscopic level and how gel electrophoresis is conducted were highlights for me.”
If you’re interested in attending a future Discovery Day, email Cincinnati Children’s Community Relations office at communityrelations@cchmc.org.
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Image Credit: Cincinnati Children’s
