Exploring Life Sciences Day

            Exploring Life Science at MU is an annual scientific conference that is the kick-off event for the Missouri Life Sciences Week held at the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center. The Exploring Life Sciences conference is designed specifically for Missouri high school students and their teachers. The conference draws from high schools throughout the state and provides opportunities for attendees to gain insight into real-world applications for research conducted by MU research scientists. Conference presenters include MU research scientists and undergraduate and graduate students working as research assistants and conducting their own research in labs throughout the Life Sciences Center. Support for this conference is provided by the Division of Biological Sciences, the Bond Life Sciences Center, and the Science Education Center.

            During Life Sciences Week, researchers come from all over the world to share their research and collaborate on future projects, with research poster presentations occurring on the Monday and Wednesday of Life Sciences Week throughout the building. Because the Exploring Life Sciences conference is held on Monday, student attendees have the opportunity to observe professional poster presentations and ask questions of world renowned researchers. Categories for poster presentations include: Molecular and Cellular Biology; Physiology of Health and Disease; Genetics, Environment, and Evolution; Translational Technologies; and Science and Society.

Exploring Life Sciences activities are divided into morning and afternoon sessions. During the morning session MU scientists, graduate and undergraduate researchers explain their research and answer student questions. High school student participants are also encouraged to bring posters explaining their own research completed in conjunction with the Partnership for Research and Education with Plants (PREP), in a space provided for the display of their posters. As a goal of the conference high school students are encouraged to consider careers in science and technology, as well as make students aware of opportunities available at the University of Missouri. Students have an opportunity to enjoy lunching in one of the many campus dining halls.

Through this unique program, high school students are encouraged to learn more about scientific research and the impact this research has on human health, opportunities available for undergraduate students at the University of Missouri, and potential careers in science and technology.