Community outreach at nmhs

Renne Lab Biological Scientist, Savannah Hardiman, was invited to speak at the North Marion High School (NMHS) Career Day on February 17, 2022. Ms. Reedy, her former high school science teacher and mentor, extended the opportunity to educate her biology and biotechnology classes about what a career in the sciences is like. It also served as an opportunity to encourage the students that a career path in science is achievable, as NMHS is in an underserved community.

Savannah spoke with students at length about steps  taken to achieve her goal, what being a scientist is really like, and the different avenues available to students who like the sciences, but don’t find a traditional scientist position attractive. She fielded questions about the Renne Lab’s work, what going to school and working at UF is like, provided insight into  the average day in an academic research lab, and the differences between academic, clinical, and industrial science.

The biotechnology students were especially happy to speak with her. As the first NMHS student to pass the credentialing exam, they asked her several questions about how the biotechnologist credentials could assist them with their goals of becoming scientists. Several students asked Ms. Reedy if Savannah would return for any technical demonstrations or future talks. While that is to be determined, she said she would gladly return if the opportunity arose.