workforce
Middle School Students
Experience “The Force”
Behind Public Health in
New Mexico
by Laura Siegel, specialist, Professional Development
“W
ho knows what they want to be when they grow up?,” NCPHLL
Director Pandora Ray asked the crowd of students and parents
gathered in the lobby of the New Mexico Department of Health
(NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory. A few hands go up for some science-related
careers: doctor, nurse, chemist, biologist. “Well today we’re going to showcase
another science related job—one that is part detective, part scientist, part
laboratory jedi.”
Approximately 30 laboratorians volunteered their time to staff the event
APHL and NMDOH sponsored a Star Wars-themed science day called “Lab Jedi:
The Force Behind Public Health” on June 4, the day before the APHL Annual
Meeting. Local middle school students and their parents were invited to
spend the day learning about a public health laboratory scientist’s “typical”
day. Students rotated through a number of hands-on-science activities, and
received a tour of the state-of-the-art laboratory. The event was the first of its
kind held at the lab, and drew students from around New Mexico, including
Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Gallup.
“We’re honored to host an event like this at the lab,” said Allison Treloar, MS,
CBA(ASQ), SLS(ASCP), MB(ASCP), NMDOH laboratory safety officer and quality
systems coordinator. “It’s so rewarding to see young students with such a
passion for science.”
According to research, children’s attitudes about STEM get formed as early as
middle school. This matters because a student’s early career expectations
increase the likelihood of completing a college degree in that field.
During the “genes-in-a-bottle” activity—a student favorite—participants
extracted their own DNA. After learning about DNA structure, genetic disorders
that the laboratory tests for and how DNA can be used during forensic
investigations, they got to take their DNA home inside a plastic amulet
necklace.
At a “tools of the trade” station, students were able to try on laboratory PPE,
sign a certificate while working in a glove box, practice pipetting and perform
activities in a biosafety cabinet. Students also constructed their own mini
spectrometers, an instrument that reveals the color components of a light
source, which can be used to determine the makeup of a sample. Students and
parents also learned how the NMDOH played a role in keeping drinking and
recreational water safe after the 2015 Animas River Spill.
Kelly Yaple, epidemiologist, demonstrates working in a biosafety cabinet to student participant
THAT’S SICK is a virtual open house designed to introduce students to the
exciting careers in public health laboratory (PHL) science. Modules explore
the role of the laboratorian in detection and surveillance for:
• Foodborne outbreaks
• Vector-borne diseases
• Infectious diseases
• Emergency preparedness
• Newborn screening
• Environmental health.
Designed by members of Cohort 6 and Cohort 7 of the APHL Emerging
Leader Program, thatssick.org has worked with educators across the US to
develop a free, easy-to-use, online resource that introduces teachers and
students to the world of PHLs and the life of a laboratory scientist. For more
information, visit www.thatssick.org or contact [email protected].
According to research, children’s attitudes about STEM get
formed as early as middle school. This matters because
having early career expectations increase the likelihood of
completing a college degree in that field.
“I had no idea how much the lab does for the state. They test everything—the
food, the water, the soil. Their work affects me on a daily basis and I didn’t
even know,” said Monica Dixon, one of the parents who toured the lab while
the students were engaged in activities.
“Lab Jedi” is the fourth annual student event APHL has hosted prior to the
annual meeting, and it is expected that a similar event will take place prior to
the 2017 meeting in Providence, RI.
Kodi Lockey, environmental microbiologist, poses in
front of the PPE station at the student event
24
LAB MATTERS Summer 2016
DIGITAL EXTRA:
View more photos from the Albuquerque lab!
Darth Vader agar plate art
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