Daphne Ezer, a junior at High School South, spent eight weeks studying the interaction of bacteria in a deep sea vent with mercury under the tutelage of Tamar Barkay of Rutgers University. During the process, Ezer learned how to use bioinformatics tools to analyze DNA.
She was one of 32 high school students participating in Partners in Science, a program offered by Liberty Science Center. “Partners In Science takes students beyond textbooks and school-based labs by immersing them in authentic scientific endeavors carried out by professional scientists,” says Jeff Osowski, vice president of Learning & Teaching at Liberty Science Center.
The students are nominated by their high schools, apply for the program. Professional scientists act as mentors in a variety of subjects, including behavioral science, environmental science, medical science, physics, website development, molecular biology, entomology, computer science, food science, and genetics.
Students may engage in new research, assist in ongoing research, or verify work already completed. The may also work under the supervision of graduate or postdoctoral students and have opportunities to network with their mentors’ peers.
Each month, students returned to Liberty Science Center’s offsite location in Liberty State Park for instructional sessions designed to enhance career and presentation skills. Workshops focused on technical writing, effective oral presentations, and developing research skills. In addition, students worked on their resumes and learned how to use their research experience to strengthen college applications and enhance science fair projects. Each participant received a $750 stipend from Liberty Science Center to offset travel expenses and other out-of-pocket costs.
The program culminated with a final science symposium on August 30, where students, surrounded by their mentors, family, and friends, presented their research topics, data, and conclusions, and received a certificate of participation from Liberty Science Center.
For more information about the program visit www.lsc.org or call 201-200-1000.
