Some potential future scientists are spending time in the lab this summer, getting hands-on instruction and overcoming their own obstacles to learn more about STEM-related fields.<\/p>\n
The Assembly building in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood is home to a special academic endeavor for area young people.<\/p>\n
“We have a program called the Hillman Academy, where we bring 90-plus high school students onto campus and into labs to do one-on-one research,” explained academy director David Boone.<\/p>\n
Inside that effort is something new this year called the Future Deaf Scientists program, where a specific group of students deals with the challenges of being deaf.<\/p>\n
“The goal is to expand the number of deaf scientists and encourage students to become interested in STEM,” said Megan Majocha with the National Institutes of Health.<\/p>\n
This partnership between Hillman Academy and the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is just one of a handful of programs like it nationwide.<\/p>\n
“They are here for four weeks, three days a week, where we’re doing science activities and STEM-related fields to hopefully spark an interest in them,” Boone said.<\/p>\n
Two of those taking up the challenge include Mackenzie Hadis and Paityn Gajan.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s a very rewarding experience for me. It’s out of my comfort zone because [it’s] science,” Gajan said.<\/p>\n
Guiding the students along the way is Dr. Majocha. She, too, is deaf and a PhD biology researcher specializing in breast cancer research.<\/p>\n
“When I was growing up, I did not have any deaf role models in STEM. So, I would like to offer that opportunity for other deaf students now who are in high school,” Dr. Majocha said.<\/p>\n
“She’s a big inspiration. She really goes to show that deaf can, and there’s no stopping us from what we want to do,” Gajan said.<\/p>\n
As to whether or not Hadis or Gajan will be the next great scientist, time will tell, but as Gajan put it: nothing ventured, nothing gained.<\/p>\n
“If you are given an opportunity, just go for it. You are not going to regret it, but you will regret it if you don’t take it,” Gajan said.<\/p>\n
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