Hilton High School students (l-r) Allison Shields, Kayla Rissew and Ashley Shaw make a polymer out of glue and borax with Dr. Lea Vacca Michel, a chemistry professor at Rochester Institute of Technology who volunteered during Breakfast with a Scientist to talk to students about careers in biochemistry. She was joined by Juliana Shaw, a second year biochemistry major at RIT, and 2011 Hilton graduate.Hilton High School students learned about a variety of careers in the field of science and enjoyed a free breakfast when the Science Department hosted its sixth annual Breakfast with a Scientist. Area scientists, including numerous Hilton graduates, offered sessions during which they presented to students information about their training and current work. Students could choose from 13 different sessions.
The presenters who volunteered their time included: Fish Bioresearcher Jacques Richard, Ph.D.; Biotechnology Patent Agent Carissa Childs; Chemists Glen Ehlers and Christine Hoffman; Chiropractor Don Smith; Veterinarians Louis Divincenti and Heidi Wendel; Nurse Practitioner J.D. Brederson; Pharmacists Nicci Adams and Peter Miles; Emergency Room Physicians Drs. Ryan Bodkin and Julie Pasternack; Mercy Flight Paramedic Chris O’Brien; Optometrist Todd Wendel; Biophysicists Lea Michel and Juliana Shaw; Forensic Scientist Tom Rodwell; and Meteorologist Jeff Nadjer.
“Breakfast with a Scientist is a great opportunity for our students to learn how science is used in the real world,” said Jennifer Howell, science teacher and event coordinator. “It is not just intended for our upper level students or those who want to “go into science.” It is a chance for all students to learn about some interesting and important careers that involve the application of science.”
