While many students are working as lifeguards or babysitters this summer, Chanthia Ma, 17, a student at Millburn High School, is studying aging and stress resistance through mutations and gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster (the common fruit fly). In other words, she is spending the summer building skills in a science research setting, working with Dr. Yongkuy Park in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.
“It’s amazing that I can finally use my knowledge of molecular biology and genetics in a real-life laboratory setting with the fruit flies,” she states. “Working with a scientist as erudite and experienced as Dr. Park, in a field I absolutely love, on a never-before analyzed experiment, is truly a life-changing experience for me.”
Initiated well before the science center opened to the public, Liberty Science Center's Partners in Science program is now in its 25th year of providing research experiences for high schoolers, immersing them in authentic scientific endeavors conducted by professional scientists.
Students gain hands-on research experience and presentation skills, building science knowledge and enhancing science fair projects and college applications. Developing a network of advisors and lifelong connections also helps students define and focus their career goals.
Find out what's happening in Millburn-Short Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Each month, students return to the science center for instructional sessions designed to enhance career and presentation skills. Workshops focus on technical writing, effective oral presentations and developing research skills. In addition, students work on their resumes and learn how to use their research experience to strengthen college applications and enhance science fair projects.
Over 1,000 students have gained valuable experience through Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science program since its inception in 1986. Former participants are now working as scientists and studying at elite colleges, graduate schools and medical schools including Montclair State, the California Institute of Technology, New York University and Princeton University.
Find out what's happening in Millburn-Short Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While many students are working as lifeguards or babysitters this summer, Chanthia Ma, 17, a student at Millburn High School, is studying aging and stress resistance through mutations and gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster (the common fruit fly). In other words, she is spending the summer building skills in a science research setting, working with Dr. Yongkuy Park in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.
“It’s amazing that I can finally use my knowledge of molecular biology and genetics in a real-life laboratory setting with the fruit flies,” she states. “Working with a scientist as erudite and experienced as Dr. Park, in a field I absolutely love, on a never-before analyzed experiment, is truly a life-changing experience for me.”
Initiated well before the science center opened to the public, Liberty Science Center's Partners in Science program is now in its 25th year of providing research experiences for high schoolers, immersing them in authentic scientific endeavors conducted by professional scientists.
Students gain hands-on research experience and presentation skills, building science knowledge and enhancing science fair projects and college applications. Developing a network of advisors and lifelong connections also helps students define and focus their career goals.
Each month, students return to the science center for instructional sessions designed to enhance career and presentation skills. Workshops focus on technical writing, effective oral presentations and developing research skills. In addition, students work on their resumes and learn how to use their research experience to strengthen college applications and enhance science fair projects.
Over 1,000 students have gained valuable experience through Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science program since its inception in 1986. Former participants are now working as scientists and studying at elite colleges, graduate schools and medical schools including Montclair State, the California Institute of Technology, New York University and Princeton University.
