SHS students doing cancer research

For the third year in a row, the Sisters Science Club sponsored a group of 12 Sisters High School freshmen and sophomores on a working visit to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) in Seattle.

The students were selected from Rima Givot's biology classes on the basis of interest, and an essay they submitted indicating why they would like to participate in this field trip.

Upon arriving at FHCRC, the students donned lab coats and were tasked with performing experiments that - after some training - included extracting and identifying their own DNA from their saliva. They used micro-pipettes, centrifuges, electrophoresis machines and specialized microscopes to separate and view their own body chemistry.

A primary tool in this lab work was an Exo Labs Camera, which allowed the students to view the microscope images in real time on an iPad. The image could also be projected on a big screen for classroom viewing, and the image was easily printed. At the conclusion of the experiments, Dr. Beverly J. Torok-Storb, associate head of the Transplantation Biology Program, donated the equipment to Sisters High School so that future classes could carry on and visualize their lab work.

When their time in the lab was done for each day the students got to tour the Pacific Science Center, Pike Place Market, and Bainbridge Island.

In a dessert potluck at Sisters High School Wednesday night, the students shared their pictures and their recollections of their expedition with parents, teachers and the Science Club.

The students included freshmen Johanna Geisen; Keegan Greaney; Jake Larson; Tate Lighthall, Mckenna Marshall and Will Werts, and sophomores Betsy Ausman; Maggie Bidasolo; Megan Calarco; Shayla Curtis; Ross Grant; and David Keeton.

The student comments ranged widely. Terms like "amazing," "inspiring," and "unbelievable" were peppered throughout the student's description of their visit.

The students spoke of getting a broader view of what part science played in their life and their education. They expressed an increased interest in taking more science classes, and felt that they would have a deeper and better understanding of the science classes that they were currently taking. The students also shared how they enjoyed getting to know their classmates on a whole new level.

Barb Schulz, a retired Seattle biology teacher now living at Black Butte Ranch, was instrumental in making the contacts and designing the education side of the experimental work for the kids' visit. She was also a chaperone for the trip.

Schulz is credited with co-founding the Science Education Partnership (SEP) in 1991. The SEP program pairs middle and high school science teachers with working scientists for a two-week training program. She was also one of the designers and promoters of the "18 and under" research lab at FHCRC.

Givot and the Sisters Science Club promoted and organized the trip on the Sisters end. Dr. Torok-Storb did the on-site organization of the trip and the experimental work in her own lab at the Seattle end.

Givot said, "These students were an absolutely amazing group. It was so cool to me that they completely embraced the experience. From working in the lab, to walking around downtown at night, to riding the ferry.

"I would like to say thank you to the parents for giving the kids the freedom and the trust to do this kind of experience. It was really rewarding to watch these guys grow and bond and expand for these few days. It felt like a lot more than a few days," said Givot.

Givot led the trip with Bob Collins, Joe Hosang, Schulz, and Teri Ast as chaperones.

"Having Bob and Joe come was great," said Givot, "They added perspective. They would stop and add connections. They would meet the kids where they were and take them to another level."

FHCRC was named after Seattle baseball legend Fred Hutchinson, who died of cancer. The center was founded by his brother Bill, a Seattle surgeon. The lab has produced three Nobel Prize-winners, including one who was credited with the discovery of the bone marrow transplant.