BGSU encourages science-based exploration and learning for high school students through six-week research program

Area high school students were introduced to research in the chemical sciences through the PICNICS program, stimulating interest in science-based careers

By Branden Ferguson

As part of its commitment to providing comprehensive learning opportunities, Bowling Green State University recently hosted high school students from around the region for a unique six-week program designed to grow interest in science, technology, engineering and math – or STEM – career fields through hands-on research and experiences.

Hosted by the BGSU Center for Photochemical Sciences and Chemistry Department, Parents Involvement with Children Nurturing Intellectual Curiosity in Science, or PICNICS, allowed students from nine area schools to conduct research on state-of-the-art lab equipment alongside BGSU faculty and graduate students. The students also presented their respective areas of study and research to their families and community members.

“I attended a genetics camp at another university, but that was more of a college lab modified for high school students,” said Bowling Green High School junior Mason Konesky. “The PICNICS camp at BGSU was like getting pushed off into the deep end and I loved it.”

The PICNICS program was started in 2007 by Dr. Jayaraman Sivaguru, Distinguished BGSU Professor and associate director for the BGSU Center for Photochemical Sciences, while he was a professor at North Dakota State University.

“Every day I drove to my office at NDSU and passed South Fargo High School. One day I called the principal and asked if I could come and talk to him about educating students and parents,” Sivaguru recalled. “The program was developed as part of my National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER grant and continues to be a component of my NSF grants."

Joining BGSU in 2017, Sivaguru ensured the program followed him to Ohio. Now local high school students in northwestern Ohio are getting the chance to work hands on in state-of-the-art labs.

“We allow them to operate sophisticated instruments so they can experience how state-of-the-art research is conducted in universities, and more importantly, instill confidence in them to perform scientific experiments," said Sivaguru.

Konesky’s parents, Wesley ’95, ’05, ’06 and Patrick ’93 were blown away at the experience their alma mater was able to provide their daughter.

“We would have been happy if she was observing for six weeks, but the fact that she had opportunities to actually engage in graduate-level research in the lab is a priceless gift,” Wesley Konesky said. “BGSU has one of the only Ph.D. programs in photochemistry in the country and my child got to work in that lab.”

This program is so hands-on that she was able to get into the lab and see what actually goes on,” Patrick Konesky added. “With the help of graduate students and BGSU professors, she was able to really gain insight into different opportunities and get a better idea of what her next steps may be.”

The proud parents said the BGSU PICNICS program even sparked a conversation about potential career paths for their child.

“I was looking at being a doctor and thinking about the areas of radiology or the emergency room. However, I discovered my real passion is in the lab,” Mason Konesky said. “I love the lab and being able to manipulate the materials at such a microscopic level and getting to see how big those small changes can be.”

Fellow PICNICS attendee Phoenix Coon of Eastwood High School also enjoyed the hands-on research in the lab and said the camp also served as a chance for personal and professional growth.

“I think the most important lesson I learned is that you don’t have to be an expert and you don’t have to know everything, so long as you’re dedicated and willing to learn,” she said.

Being surrounded by million-dollar pieces of equipment and being faced with graduate-level research can be intimidating for high school students, but with encouragement from BGSU professors and graduate students, nerves subside and excitement takes over.

“Students have told me over the years, ‘I thought I was in way over my head. I’m just a high school student,’” said Cale Hover, science teacher at Eastwood High School. “It’s amazing the amount of growth they go through in six weeks. I don’t see any other experience they could get in the summer that could top this academically.”

Interest continues to grow in the successful PICNICS program thanks to support from BGSU and surrounding high schools.

“With the support of everyone from graduate students and colleagues, all the way up to President Rogers, we started with four local schools,” Sivaguru said. “Now there are nine schools participating from our region. We are playing a role in helping students develop interests and find career paths.”

Sivaguru hopes to expand the program to include the University's reimagined engineering programs in robotics engineering, electronic and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

“It’s a substantial commitment for everyone involved, but the impact it makes is everlasting."