Student Mentorship deadline is Dec. 1
Students from junior high and high school interested in science and laboratory testing may apply for the State Hygienic Laboratory’s Student Mentorship Program. The deadline for applications is Dec. 1.The mentorship program is an opportunity for students to work with Hygienic Laboratory scientists to help develop science projects. In addition to working on their projects, students can see first-hand how a public health laboratory functions and learn about careers in public health laboratory science.
Selected projects must have a laboratory component related to environmental or public health. Hygienic Laboratory staff provide the testing and mentorship. Local teachers work as the interface between the students and the laboratory staff.
Anna Mattson was a member of GERMinators, the team of 6th graders who studied the spread of germs on gloves as part of the Student Mentorship program 2016-2017. “Science is my favorite subject and this project has allowed me to do more of what I love,” Mattson said. “This project has given us more experience with interactive science and really challenged us and showed us what we are capable of.”
Stephany Cochran, clinical lab technical specialist, who was the SHL mentor for the GERMinators project, said that the “Student Mentorship Program allows the interests that have been piqued by the school’s science curriculum an opportunity to be fed and thrive. Once the seed of curiosity has been planted, we are able to provide a more one-on-one experience that you cannot find anywhere else.”
Videos by students, information about the program and a link to the application also are available on the SHL website.
Applications and questions about the Student Mentorship program should be sent to Beth Hochstedler or Rick Bonar.
