Area students 'Explore Science' at UM-Dearborn

They toured science labs.

They learned about various birds spotted on campus.

And some even sampled fresh honey from campus beehives.

About 60 high school students, along with 40 of their guests, participated in University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Science Exploration Day on June 26.

The Department of Natural Sciences’ Science Learning Center, Environmental Interpretive Center and Office of Admissions and Orientation organized the annual event. High school students interested in science were introduced to UM-Dearborn’s facilities and resources, and they also were exposed to a sampling of ongoing research projects led by Natural Sciences faculty, said Debalina Bandyopadhyay, director of the Science Learning Center.

That included tours through the laboratories of Professors Krisanu Bandyopadhyay (chemistry), Peter Oelkers (biochemistry) and Sonia Tiquia (microbiology). Students also learned about the research endeavors of Melissa Bowlin (biology) and David Susko (biology).

Susko, director of the University’s Environmental Interpretive Center, said he was pleased with the turnout, which has steadily increased since its inception in 2010.

“Based on this trend, it’s obvious that prospective students want to learn about the opportunities available to them in health and natural sciences before they select which university they will attend,” he said. “By letting them interact with our science faculty and students, and tour our facilities, hopefully they leave with a clear idea of what we have to offer.”

Learn more about Science Exploration Day.