Buffalo students explore careers in medicine and research at CTRC

The vision of UB’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) is to advance and accelerate clinical and translational science to reduce health disparities and improve the health of our community and the nation. A key contributor toward these efforts is development of the next generation of scientists, physicians and health care professionals. These goals were the inspiration behind a recent event at the Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) on UB’s Downtown Campus.

“Student Day at the CTRC” involved an educational and fun visit for a group of students from the Health Sciences Charter School. The event, hosted by the CTSI Community Engagement Core, included a panel discussion featuring clinical and translational research professionals followed by hands-on activities and a tour of the building.

This was the second “Student Day” and Grace McKenzie, CTSI community engagement specialist, explains that these events are designed to spark interest in careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

“‘Student Day’ is an excellent opportunity for high school students to come into the CTSI and learn about various STEM careers,” McKenzie says. “The recent visit started with an address from and Q&A with CTSI Director Timothy F. Murphy. We also had a panel discussion with five professionals who discussed their career paths in STEM, their current positions and their passion for science.” 

Students spoke with the professionals about work-life balance, as well as experiences in school that led to their decision to work in research. Then, the students worked in small-group, hands-on science activities and toured the CTRC.

Diamonique Pettway, director of community, events and marketing for Health Sciences Charter School, says the visit provided real insights into the different types of jobs available in medical research.

“Exposing students to the details of research careers is crucial for inspiring curiosity and helping them envision themselves in these roles,” Pettway says. “Putting an emphasis on the importance of diversity in research and exposing students from different backgrounds to opportunities can create a more inclusive research community. Ultimately, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of research careers not only encourages them to pursue these paths but also broadens their perspectives and equips them with skills to contribute to solving global challenges.” 

Pettway says the students attending the CTRC event shared that they now have a better understanding of the wide range of career opportunities in research.

“They also really enjoyed activities like harvesting their DNA and testing various water samples," she says. “Overall, the students say they had a fantastic time touring the facility and are now considering careers they had not previously known.”

“Student Day at the CTRC” is one way UB connects with the next generation of medical professionals. To encourage career paths in STEM, McKenzie recommends starting the career conversation at home. “Parents can have conversations with their children about science and research,” she says. “Asking their child about science class and what engages them in science is a great start.”

In addition, McKenzie offers other ways to help engage children with science:

• Visit the Buffalo Museum of Science; keep an eye on the museum calendar for upcoming events.
• Plan safe science experiments at home, such as bringing snow into the kitchen and watching how it melts and changes.
• Watch PBS Kids science shows together.
• Go to your local library and talk with a librarian about science, and have the librarian suggest nonfiction and fiction books.
• Participate in or start a science club at school.