Ohio State partnership engages middle, high school students in cancer research

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Ohio State partnership engages middle, high school students in cancer research

Initiative program encourages youth to consider medical science as a career path

High school students from around Ohio participated in hands-on learning activities in cancer research this summer at The Ohio State University.

The Center for Digital Learning and Innovation (CDLI) at the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) collaborated on the initiative with Ohio State Extension's 4H Youth Development and The James Comprehensive Cancer Center.

As part of the initiative, high school students visited Ohio State's Columbus campus in mid-July. Among other activities, the students offered feedback on technology that Ohio State researchers developed to engage younger students in medical science.

"The James, 4H and CDLI collaborated to develop interactive, technology-focused learning experiences to help middle school students learn about cancer research and inspire them to consider it as a future career," said CDLI Executive Director Detra Price.

While on campus, the high school students tested out the new technology, known as Cancer Code Breakers. The technology features classroom activities, including a game that is similar to bowling.

Players use a tablet as a remote control to maneuver a small sphere, with the goal of toppling a stack of plastic cups. The sphere represents chemotherapy and radiation, and the cups represent cancer cells.

The objective of the Cancer Code Breakers technology is to introduce students to the concept of cancer treatment, said Julie Johnson, CDLI community outreach specialist who led the high schoolers through the activities.

"Our whole mission is to work with faculty and staff and students and K-12 classroom teachers and students in bringing technology and innovative voices into the classroom," said Johnson, who was an elementary school teacher for 30 years before joining Ohio State.

Nora Swerens, an incoming senior at Hilliard-Davidson High School, said she appreciated the opportunity to offer input on the Cancer Code Breakers technology.

"Those were really helpful," she said of the activities. "I have a sibling who's in that age range who'd be interested in that."

Aryan Kaushik, an incoming senior at Pickerington North High School, also said the Cancer Code Breakers activities can interest youth in scientific research.

"I do think middle schoolers will be interested in them, especially the spheres," he said. "It's engaging and hands-on. I think that will be really beneficial."

Also during their campus visit, high school students led presentations on cancer research projects they participated in with Ohio State faculty, staff and students. Swerens said gaining hands-on experience in medical science gave her an opportunity to interact with researchers in cutting-edge fields.

Swerens said she learned "how important networking is early on, especially if you have an interest in something in particular."

A panel discussion and question-and-answer session with Ohio State researchers presented the high school students with additional networking opportunities. Panelists included Heather Aker, an assistant manager in clinical research at The James; Alexis Mann, a research pharmacist; and Pamela Brock, who works in endocrine cancer-related genetic counseling.

Brock told the students that she first learned about her career in high school at a guidance counselor's recommendation. She said she worked in genetic counseling for several years at other organizations before finding the right fit at Ohio State.

"I came to Ohio State with the ability to do research and teach and wear these different hats," she said.

"I couldn't figure out why my first job [at a different organization] that I loved so much when I started, after 10 years, I didn't love it anymore. And what changed? Give yourself the grace that your interests may change. Just make the best decision you can at the time. And if it's not all on one path, that's OK."

By attending the panel discussion, Swerens said she saw real-life examples of viable career paths.

"Something I didn't know about before was genetic counseling," she said. "I'm considering that as a career now."

Kaushik also said the panel discussion served as a catalyst to explore new academic and career paths.

"I definitely want to be involved in research in college," he said.

The initiative to encourage middle and high school students to learn about cancer research has been three years in the making and is part of Ohio State's broader community outreach efforts, said Margaret Robinson, a project manager with The James Cancer Education and Training unit.

"This is the very beginning. We hope there will be lots more activities and programs for parents, too," she said. "It's getting knowledge out there."

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