On select mornings in late 2025, high school students from the Augusta area participated in hands-on cancer research activities at Augusta University’s Georgia Cancer Center. The initiative, called Scientists for a Day, was developed through collaboration between the Georgia Cancer Center and local school districts to introduce students to biomedical science and research techniques.
Students from A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School attended sessions on November 13 and December 9. Led by Yuen-Keng “Fish” Ng, PhD, participants learned about polymerase chain reaction (PCR), an essential method used to amplify DNA. Students practiced laboratory skills such as pipetting and gel electrophoresis under supervision of research staff and graduate volunteers.
Feedback from students indicated that the experience was both informative and engaging. According to anonymous surveys collected after the sessions: “I liked how informative and interactive the lab was.” Another student wrote, “The hands-on activities were extremely educational,” while a third added, “I enjoyed all of the lab activities and working with new people.”
Each event included a career panel where graduate students and postdoctoral fellows discussed their academic paths into research fields, challenges they faced in scientific careers, and how cancer research can impact society. Sessions concluded with presentations on cancer prevention led by Maryclaire Regan and Nyree Riley from the Cancer Information and Awareness team.
In October 2025, similar programs were held for Greenbrier High School and Grovetown High School students. These groups also worked with PCR techniques under Dr. Ng’s guidance, assisted by experienced volunteers who later answered questions about education requirements for scientific careers as well as daily life in laboratories.
The program’s aim is not only technical training but also inspiring curiosity about science among local youth. Organizers hope that direct exposure to active research will encourage more students to consider careers in biomedical sciences.
Research staff assisting during these events included Kendra Fick (lab of Kebin Liu, PhD), Austin Lowery (lab of Peipei Zhu, PhD), Edidiong Usoro, PhD (team under Patricia Schoenlein, PhD), Karina Aguilar (lab of Vinata Lokeshwar, PhD), Chidera Ogbu (lab of Ahmed Chadli, PhD), Darryl Nettles, DPA (team for Jorge Cortes, MD). The program was coordinated by Lisa Middleton, PhD; Rhea-Beth Markowitz, PhD; Kenza Mamouni, PhD; Angela Maskey; Chris Middleton; Chris Curry; Christine Fiorino; and Lindsey Morris.
Augusta University plans to continue expanding its partnerships with area schools to provide similar opportunities in future semesters.
