Mayo Clinic to Host High School Science Conference on Feb. 1

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

WHAT: Mayo Clinic research has invited approximately 230 area high school science students to the 13th biennial Celebration of Research, a daylong conference for students interested in learning about careers in science. The event's keynote address "The DNA Sequencing Revolution!" will be presented by event chair David Smith, Ph.D. Afterward, students and their teachers will participate in observational and hands-on tours of research laboratories across the campus.

WHERE: Phillips Hall, Siebens Building, Mayo Clinic, 100 Second Avenue SW, Rochester, Minn.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHO: Students are attending from: Adams, Albert Lea, Altura, Austin, Blooming Prairie, Bricelyn, Caledonia, Chatfield, Claremont, Dodge Center, Dover, Easton, Elgin, Eyota, Faribault, Freeborn, Grand Meadow, Harmony, Houston, Kasson, Kenyon, Kiester, Lanesboro, Lewiston, Lyle, Mantorville, Mazeppa, Millville, Northfield, Owatonna, Peterson, Pine Island, Plainview, Rochester, Rushford, Spring Valley, St. Charles, Stewartville, Wanamingo, Walters, Wells, West Concord, Winona and Zumbrota.

BACKGROUND: Mayo sponsored the first Celebration of Research in 1987. Each conference has focused on introducing high school students to different fields of study in medical research. This year's theme — "Mission: Possible" — pertains to understanding the human genome. Attendees will be introduced to a variety of careers in medical research, including physician scientists, researchers, lab technicians and more.

"The Celebration of Research provides Mayo with the opportunity to introduce students from southeastern Minnesota to career opportunities at Mayo," says Dr. Smith. "In addition to learning about these career opportunities, the students will take tours of research laboratories to learn more about the breadth of research that is currently conducted at Mayo." Celebration of Research organizers hope to encourage attendees to study science in college and possibly choose careers in science and engineering. Mayo offers other opportunities to learn more about research and health care careers. See the Career Awareness website for more information. Further, Mayo supports the Rochester Area Math Science Partnership, which provides opportunities for educators and students.

NOTE: Most attendees have media waivers on file. Media are welcome to visit anytime during the day.

Please RSVP to Elizabeth Zimmermann Young at 507-284-5005.

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