Students work with international summer science program

CSC Associate Professor Dr. Mary Keithly, a faculty member for Summer Science Program International (SSPI) for several years, hired CSC students Piper Ryschon of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Paige Boitz of Pueblo West, Colorado, as paid lab assistants during the xx-week camp at the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning.

Boitz said a typical day included class activities, lectures, and labs with the high school students.

“We were the busiest in the labs. We were expected to answer many questions about the project and help with math calculations and other tasks. Meals with the students were the best, as there was always a range of topics to talk about since they all came from different backgrounds. It was one of my favorite parts of each day,” Boitz said.

Ryschon helped make the chemical solutions for the experiments throughout the program. She also helped culture bacteria and extract the proteins from them.

“After the proteins were extracted, I helped purify the proteins with a low-pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC) system. I was also in charge of autoclaving media and biohazard waste,” Ryschon said.

Boitz said she helped with all experiments but specifically culturing bacteria, making solutions, and purifying proteins. The experience helped her learn the aspect of science that she enjoys most.

“I knew I liked being in a lab, but when failures and successes came from the students and I saw the joy their successes truly brought them, it was enlightening. I learned the skills to aid high school kids through one of the toughest programs in the country. I grew just as much as the students did just from helping them,” Boitz said. “The students’ excitement when an experiment worked reminded me of my love for science.” 

Ryschon said she learned valuable insights about lab experiments.

“This summer, I got to see firsthand how long some laboratory techniques take and the amount of critical thinking you need to combat obstacles that pop up during the experiment,” Ryschon said. “There will always be hard days when nothing goes right and you do a lot of problem-solving. It can be repetitive and aggravating. You even second-guess your ability to do science and whether you should even be in the field. But there are always good days where you love every second, and it makes everything worth it. Most days in the lab don’t even feel like a job, you just get to do what you love.”

Boitz said the experience solidified her decision to pursue a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

“I knew throughout college that I wanted to end up in a lab, but not as much as I do now. It also introduced me to a world where women in STEM are capable of doing anything that they put their mind to,” Boitz said.

Ryschon said the faculty at the camp provided her with excellent input on her future career and graduate school options.

“One of the new professors I met provided me with great networking opportunities in the biotech industry, which I would have never received otherwise,” Ryschon said.

Ryschon said she enjoyed the students’ different outlooks on the world and science. She also enjoyed their fun-loving personalities. 

Boitz’s favorite moment was a trip to Chadron State Park on July 4.

“For some students, it was their first time in the U.S. for July Fourth, so it was fun for them to experience the outdoors and everything the park had to offer” Boitz said. “I connected quite quickly with the students from different countries and cultures because I was curious to learn about where they came from.”