Area high schoolers visit College's labs

Magnified views of fish eggs and brine shrimp were a big hit for 9th- and 10th-graders who visited Skidmore recently. The advanced biology students from Tech Valley High School in Albany were treated to a tour of the Skidmore Microscopy Imaging Center and some hands-on activities led by biology faculty.

From David Domozych they learned of the history and uses of microscopes in biology research, including his own work on algae and their cell walls. From Lily Sun, who coordinates the microscopy facility, they saw the capabilities and features of the light microscopes, electron microscopes, and other equipment. Then animal neuroscientists Jennifer Bonner and Elaine Larsen helped the students get very up-close and personal with zebra-fish embryos and brine shrimp.

Tech Valley draws students from all around New York’s Capital District to its project-based education that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. Skidmore regularly invites area school students to get firsthand, and often hands-on, experiences with college-level science.