Students Explore Science And Research At Fourth Annual Discovery Day
Post Date: July 1, 2026 | Publish Date:
More than 140 students participated in Cincinnati Children’s Discovery Day to explore research labs, meet scientists, and learn about careers in science and medicine.
Cincinnati Children’s recently hosted its fourth annual Discovery Day. During the event, more than 140 middle and high school students had the opportunity to meet our researchers and health professionals to learn about science and medical careers.
Discovery Day kicked off in Sabin Auditorium with keynote remarks by Kahleb Graham, MD, who encouraged young people to be curious, ask questions, look for ways to improve and to serve others.
As part of the event, the students were among the first in the community to see our new Winslow Research Pavilion. Mike Pauciulo, MBA, director of the Discover Together Biobank, walked the students through the lab, showing how test tubes are tracked and how parts of blood are isolated. He also showed how specimens are kept extremely cold, from -80°C freezers for DNA, plasma, serum and other biofluids, to -190°C liquid nitrogen tanks for cells that could be used or grown later.
“I love participating in Discovery Day because there aren’t many outlets for kids to see the kind of science that happens at Cincinnati Children’s,” Pauciulo said. “I hope we can spur their interest in science so they pursue careers where they can contribute to our knowledge of health and disease. We can always use more smart scientists.”
Students also rotated through several locations at Burnet Campus and the research pavilion. They visited the lab of Josh Waxman, PhD, where they observed zebrafish used to study heart development and regeneration.
Scientists from the labs of Leah Kottyan, PhD, and Ty Troutman, PhD, demonstrated gel electrophoresis, micro and serological pipetting and microscopy. The students also performed exercises with the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy teams, as well as breathing and stress release activities with the Mental and Behavioral Health team.
“I’ve always wanted to see behind the scenes what scientists do,” said Leila, a senior who attended Discovery Day to learn more about the research and medical fields. “Seeing tissues and zebrafish on the microscopic level and how gel electrophoresis is conducted were highlights for me.”
Discovery Day co-sponsors included the Office of Academic Affairs and Career Development, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training (CCTST). More than 50 research staff and volunteers supported the event.
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The Research Horizons blog features news and insights about the latest discoveries and innovations developed by the scientists of Cincinnati Children's. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Email researchnews@cchmc.org with questions or ideas.
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