In a vibrant showcase of science and education, the University of Utah’s Eccles Health Science Education Building buzzed with excitement as families gathered for the inaugural Summer Science Day on July 12.
The event, designed to engage participants of all ages, featured hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and opportunities to meet researchers from various disciplines.
One standout activity involved a demonstration of DNA extraction from peas, captivating the young audience as they added rubbing alcohol to their test tubes, resulting in visible clumps of DNA.
“Do you know what DNA is?” asked the presenter, prompting a chorus of nods from the captivated children.
Parents leaned in closer, taken aback by the stringy white substance forming between the layers in their children’s test tubes, adding to the thrill of discovery.
Summer Science Day, organized by the Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, drew approximately 1,000 attendees, reflecting a strong community interest in scientific engagement and education.
“We hope to give families an opportunity to meet scientists in person, tour different lab spaces, and learn about the research that we’re doing at the U,” said Janet Iwasa, PhD, director of the GSLC.
The intent of the event was not only to share knowledge but also to inspire the next generation of scientists and educators.
Participants engaged with a variety of activities, from touching pig lungs to understanding the mathematics behind folding virus proteins.
Interactive workshops allowed attendees to mix colors of light, peer through microscopes, and discover pathways into biomedical careers.
A wide range of departments, including Nutrition & Integrative Physiology, Biochemistry, and Human Genetics, along with the U’s Core Research Facilities and BioHive, a Utah nonprofit, co-sponsored the event.
Since its inception over 30 years ago, the GSLC has been committed to delivering engaging educational content about genetics and health through various mediums, including videos, games, and interactive lessons.
Iwasa, who took over as director of the GSLC in 2024, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of Science Day to become an annual tradition after being inspired by a similar event in Boston.
“The team is engaged in science outreach and education and has the experience and enthusiasm to organize a public-centered event that features fun science activities for all ages. Summer Science Day was born,” she explained.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.
Participant Pannyun Yiu remarked, “It was awesome. A great opportunity to get kids exposed to different areas of science.”
She also appreciated the activities tailored for older students, which can often be hard to find in public events.
Another participant, Grace Gabrielsen, 18, found the event transformative, stating, “I finally understand how scientists do research.”
Researchers and presenters echoed the excitement, noting the high turnout and enthusiastic participation.
PhD candidate Rebekah Nicholson from the Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology commented, “It was such a cool experience to interact with so many kids/community members. I’m so glad I got to participate.”
Rachel Torrez, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Biochemistry, added, “Definitely a fun and slightly chaotic day.”
The success of the first Summer Science Day has organizers eagerly anticipating another installment next year, highlighting the community’s strong interest in and affinity for science.
Iwasa summed up the atmosphere of the day, saying, “We have both a lot of people interested in science and scientists interested in sharing their research.”
As the community engaged with the myriad of scientific offered activities, it was clear that the event planted seeds of curiosity and excitement for the world of science among attendees of all ages.
For additional information on the Genetic Science Learning Center, interested parties are encouraged to explore their resources.
image source from：uofuhealth
